Max Verstappen and Dr. Helmut Marko have brushed off speculation linking the reigning world champion to a blockbuster move away from Red Bull after 2025.
Recent reports from the UK suggested that Aston Martin is willing to put together a financial package that could see Verstappen earn up to $1 billion over several years if he switches teams.
"That's a lot of money," Verstappen said with a laugh when asked about the rumours.
"When I read it, it was honestly the first time I saw something like that."
While Verstappen did not outright deny having any interaction with Aston Martin, he clarified that his only discussions with the team were related to GT racing.
"The only contact I have had with them was about the GT3 for this year," he explained. "That's all. I don't really have anything to add.
"I'm not going to drive it, but I'm setting up my own team this year, so there are some things that need to be done. There is not much else going on."
Red Bull advisor and Verstappen's long-time mentor, Dr. Helmut Marko, was also asked about the swirling speculation.
Responding to Österreich newspaper about whether Verstappen is concerned about Red Bull's new in-house power unit for 2026, Marko pointed to the contractual situation. "There are performance clauses," the 81-year-old confirmed.
"But let's assume that we are not really at a disadvantage in terms of the engine. A gap of one or two tenths is manageable with Max."
When asked if he would hypothetically follow Verstappen to Aston Martin should such a move ever materialise, Marko dismissed the notion.
"That is all speculation," he said. "We want the fifth world championship title in a row, which we didn't manage with (Sebastian) Vettel. That is what we are fully focused on."
Meanwhile, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner faced a hostile reception at the O2 Arena during Formula 1's London season launch, where he was booed by sections of the crowd.
Marko, however, had no interest in discussing the ongoing controversies surrounding Horner.
"Let's leave it alone and concentrate on the fifth title," he stated.
