In a stunning development that could shake the Formula 1 grid, Aston Martin chairman Lawrence Stroll has openly addressed the reasons why Max Verstappen is poised to leave Red Bull and join Aston Martin — and possibly even before the end of the current season.

Speaking to reporters after widespread rumors about a blockbuster £225 million, three-year offer to Verstappen, Stroll made his intentions crystal clear: “We are building something historic here at Aston Martin. When you want to be the best, you go after the best. Max Verstappen is the best driver in the world, and we are providing him with the future he deserves.”

Aston Martin, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and oil giant Aramco, has been rapidly assembling a powerhouse operation. The recent signing of legendary designer Adrian Newey only added fuel to speculation that Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull could waver.

“With Adrian Newey joining us, and with the investments we’ve made into our infrastructure, it’s the perfect storm,” Stroll continued. “Max is a smart driver. He knows where the future is. He knows where he can continue winning — not just for a year, but for a decade.”

Despite Red Bull team principal Christian Horner insisting that Verstappen remains committed until at least 2026, internal rumors have suggested a potential get-out clause in Verstappen’s contract could open the door for a sensational mid-season switch.

Stroll did not shy away from addressing those whispers: “I’m not interested in contracts written on paper three years ago. Formula 1 is about momentum. It’s about vision. Max understands that vision. He knows we’re not talking about winning eventually — we’re talking about winning now.”

Stroll’s bold comments mirror those of former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, who also endorsed Aston Martin’s aggressive pursuit, saying the Saudi backing and Newey’s arrival made the British outfit a real threat.

Addressing concerns that Aston Martin still has work to do to reach Red Bull’s current performance level, Stroll was unfazed: “Of course, it’s a mountain to climb. But Max doesn’t shy away from challenges — and neither do we. With the right team, the right engineering, and the right ambition, there’s nothing we can’t achieve together.”

He added: “We’re not just signing a driver. We’re creating a dynasty. Max will be the face of a new era at Aston Martin. And he’ll have the car and the team behind him to keep making history.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Horner tried to downplay the rumors, telling the media, “There’s been a lot of noise outside the team. Max reaffirmed his commitment yesterday. We’re focused on making the car faster. Max is a committed member of the team.”

Nevertheless, the noise around Verstappen’s potential departure refuses to die down, especially with Aston Martin’s strategic moves hinting at a long-term vision that could tempt even the sport’s biggest star.

In Stroll’s own confident words: “The future is green. And Max Verstappen will be leading it.”

If this historic transfer materializes, it could mark one of the most sensational mid-season moves in Formula 1 history — and firmly establish Aston Martin as a new superpower for the 2026 era and beyond.