F1, Saudi Arabia’s new goal: they want to put together a Dream Team with Verstappen, but they had a big problem

It is no longer surprising to hear or read the name of Saudi Arabia linked to multi-million dollar figures in the world of sport. In recent years that country’s football league has grown exponentially from the figure of Cristiano Ronaldo, while in golf they took John Ram, reigning champion of the Augusta Masters, from the PGA to the LIV, a professional circuit founded in 2022 with the patronage of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Arabia. And in tennis the ATP’s agreement with the PIF is now official, which is the sponsor of the ranking it currently leads. Novak Djokovic.

Now Arab money wants to arrive too Formula 1 -where they already did business with Frank Williams in the late 70s-. According to various journalistic versions, The Saudis have the idea of ​​buying the Aston Martin team, which it currently owns Lawrence Walk (group director Aston Martin Ltd.) and has proficient Spanish Fernando Alonso and to the Canadian Lance Walk behind the wheel.

The intention is to hire Max Verstappenthree-time champion of the highest category of motor sports, and create a Heart team which includes British engineer Adrian Newey, also from Red Bull. They see it as an opportunity to take advantage of the scandal surrounding Christian Horner, director of the Austrian team.

However, The Dutch rider categorically denied the rumours. “This is like my second family,” he said ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in which he will seek his tenth consecutive victory and third consecutive this season. “I will continue until the end”, he added that he has a contract until 2028 with Red Bull.

The three-time world champion clarified the doubts with the same speed with which he dictates the pace on the track: “I only think about getting on my bike and winning”. He won the first two races of the year in Bahrain and, indeed, in Saudi Arabia and is bidding to win his fourth consecutive title, followed only by Michael Schumacher (5 times between 2000 and 2004), Lewis Hamilton (2017-2020 ) ), Sebastian Vettel (2010-2013) and Juan Manuel Fangio (1954-1957).

“I don’t know what the terms of Max’s contract are, but I know he’s fully involved here and it would be a shame for him to leave.” he has declared Sergio “Checo” Perez, His teammate, who finished second in both Grands Prix and with 36 points, is 15 behind Verstappen overall and 23 ahead of Charles Leclerc (28).

Saudi Arabia’s contact with Aston Martin is nothing new, as the latter serves as the main sponsor of the Silverstone, England-based team through Aramco, the company that exploits Saudi oil, gas and petrochemicals. It would be one of the biggest deals in sports, some billion pounds.

According to the specialized site motorpasion.com, the Formula 1 engine regulations will change in 2026. “New, more simplified engines will come into force” and Aston Martin has already reached an agreement on engines with Honda, which being a brand with recent experience in the category should be one that has an advantage over Audi and Ford, which will be the newcomers.

While, Ferrariwhich from 2025 it will have Lewis Hamilton He also tries to seduce some Red Bull engineers and competes with the Arabs, although they won’t beat him for money.

Fernando Alonso, 42, could be the one to pay with his departure if the deal is finalized and there he will have to decide whether to look for a new team or retire from Formula 1 for good.