Verstappen Spotted in Aston Martin GT Test After $1 Billion Deal Rumours Clarified
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Verstappen Spotted in Aston Martin GT Test After $1 Billion Deal Rumours Clarified
Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, recently took to the wheel of an Aston Martin, but not in the usual F1 setting. Instead, Verstappen was seen testing an Aston Martin GT3 car at Circuit Paul Ricard, a move that had been previously hinted at by the Dutch driver. This comes after Verstappen moved swiftly to shut down rumors suggesting that Aston Martin had made a jaw-dropping $1 billion offer to bring him to their Formula 1 team.
Max Verstappen Tests Aston Martin GT3 Car
The winter break saw speculation intensify regarding Verstappen's potential switch to Aston Martin, as a rumor emerged claiming that the team had extended a staggering $1 billion contract offer in an attempt to lure him away from his current Red Bull seat. This was during a period when Aston Martin was continuing to build its future for the new F1 regulations set to debut in 2026, including a new campus, wind tunnel, and a partnership with Honda for engines from 2026 onward.
However, Aston Martin was quick to dismiss the claims. A spokesperson for the team categorically denied the story, telling PlanetF1.com: “An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.” Verstappen also took the opportunity to clear up the confusion, confirming that his only contact with Aston Martin was regarding a GT3 project for 2025, not an F1 move.
Verstappen's Focus on GT3 Racing
In a statement at the recent F1 75 event, Verstappen clarified, “The only contact I’ve had with Aston Martin was about GT3 for this year. That’s it.” This statement came after he was spotted behind the wheel of an Aston Martin GT3 car during a test at the Circuit Paul Ricard, a venue once home to the French Grand Prix. The sighting confirmed that Verstappen is indeed moving forward with his plans for a GT3 racing team.
Verstappen's Ambitious Plans for a GT3 Team
Max Verstappen has long expressed an interest in expanding his racing portfolio beyond Formula 1, and he has now revealed more details about his ambition to create his own racing team. In a Formule 1 magazine interview, Verstappen discussed how his journey into team ownership began through sim racing with Team Redline. With Verstappen.com Racing, the Dutch driver is already involved in various racing activities, sponsoring and supporting drivers close to him, including Thierry Vermeulen in DTM and GTWC Sprint, and even participating in rallying with his father, Jos Verstappen.
Verstappen’s ultimate goal, however, is to establish his own racing team. The first step in this process is the creation of a GT3 team, which he plans to launch in 2025. Verstappen has set a target to run a minimum of two cars in the GT3 category, a goal that is currently in the works, although he admits that 2025 may be a tight year to bring the project to fruition.
"It all started with Team Redline in sim racing. With Verstappen.com Racing we are sponsoring and supporting various racing activities from people close to me. We are also active in DTM and the GTWC Sprint with Thierry Vermeulen and with my father in rallying, but the end goal is to put together our own race team. The first step in our own GT3 team and then we’ll see where we end up." – Max Verstappen
The Road to 2025: Verstappen's GT3 Team Vision
As Verstappen looks to build his own GT3 team, he has expressed a desire to eventually move up to the highest levels of endurance racing. He is confident that his team will be ready for the challenge, with plans already underway to make the GT3 program a reality in 2025. Verstappen's vision for the future includes growing his racing team over time and pushing for greater success in endurance racing.
“Next year will be tight, but I would like to have it as soon as possible. Having a GT3 team in 2025 with a minimum of two cars should be possible,” Verstappen stated, further solidifying his intentions to become a key figure in the GT3 racing world. The formation of his team represents an exciting new chapter for the driver, who has proven time and again that his ambitions extend beyond just Formula 1.
Verstappen's Commitment to Red Bull and Racing Growth
While Verstappen’s involvement with Aston Martin for the GT3 program has stirred excitement among racing fans, it’s important to note that his focus remains on his current role with Red Bull in Formula 1. The driver’s commitment to his F1 team is unwavering as he continues to chase further success in the sport. Nevertheless, Verstappen’s move into the GT3 arena shows that he is thinking long-term, with an eye on expanding his racing influence and helping to shape the future of the motorsport world.
As the 2025 GT3 team project progresses, Verstappen’s fans will be eager to see how his plans unfold. In the meantime, the world will continue to watch his performances in Formula 1 as he continues his dominance in the sport.
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