Aston Martin's changed approach to Max Verstappen contract rumours could be telling

There has been an interesting change in the way are approaching the incessant rumours suggesting could be joining them in the future. The latest claim comes from Italian media and to tempt the Dutchman to quit .

Aston Martin certainly have the cash to finance such a deal through billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll and help from title sponsors Aramco who would be on hand to deliver buckets of Saudi cash should it be needed. And driver salaries are outside budget cap, so no concerns there.

Aston Martin had this to say when approached about this latest claim: "It's normal for the media to speculate on the driver market, but we have a fantastic driver line-up that we are committed to and who are under contract for 2026 and beyond.

"Our focus is on delivering for Lance and Fernando by giving them a more consistent and competitive car. When we do, they are both capable of delivering great results."

True, and have deals for 2026 but there are always exit clauses and payoff options in F1 driver contracts. And if Verstappen truly became available for Aston Martin, it's hard to imagine them saying, 'No thanks, we're fine'.

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It's hard to know right now how much truth there is to this latest claim, but it shouldn’t go unnoticed that the team has changed tack from the last time such a report came up. Aston responded to those reports of a £1billion offer by "categorically" denying the claim. That was the word they specifically asked news outlets to use in their response.

No such firmness this time, though, and that could be telling.

Ferrari didn't need crystal ball to spot Lewis Hamilton problem

Should have foreseen struggles to adapt to life in red? Apart from his sprint win in China last month, Hamilton has produced a series of entirely forgettable results since starting work with the Italian outfit.

It's clear that a major reason why is because he spent so long using machinery that he's essentially had to start his learning from scratch. But after 12 years with the Silver Arrows and six more seasons driving for , Ferrari should have known that even the seven-time champion was likely to struggle.

From the archive

made his famous F1 debut at this race last year, finishing seventh and ahead of fellow Brits and Hamilton. He landed his first full-time seat off the back of that performance and has done very well for so far.

Fast fact

Hamilton remains the only non-Red Bull driver to have won an F1 race in Jeddah, with two victories for Verstappen and another for in the three years since the Brit won the first edition of this event.

Inside track

Aston Martin are well off the pace at the start of this season but there will be no magic to rescue them, with their new managing technical partner fully focused only on their 2026 car.