Max Verstappen 'determined to leave Red Bull' after mega £226m contract offer

Reigning world champion is reportedly contemplating a lucrative contract offer from Aston Martin, sparking speculation about his future with Red Bull. It's even been suggested that the 27-year-old is 'determined' to explore new opportunities.

Rumours surrounding Verstappen's future have been swirling for some time now, and Red Bull's lacklustre performance at last week's Bahrain GP - where the Dutch driver finished in sixth place - has only added fuel to the fire that the four-time world champion may soon be on the move.

Lewis Hamilton made headlines with his sensational switch from Mercedes to McLaren last season, leading some to predict that Verstappen might also be planning a similar move.

According to a report from Italy's , Verstappen has a hefty contract offer from Aston Martin on the table. The deal, reportedly backed by the sovereign fund of Saudi Arabia, is described as 'the biggest in F1' history. If Verstappen accepts, he could pocket a staggering $300 million (£226m) over the next three years.

The report further suggests that Verstappen is keen to part ways with Red Bull at the end of the season, despite his public assertions of contentment with his current team.

Red Bull's top adviser Helmut Marko has confessed to a mounting anxiety within the team, acknowledging after the Bahrain GP that "the concern is great" over the possibility of losing their star driver Verstappen to a rival outfit if they fail to step up their game.

Rumours have swirled around Verstappen's contract, suggesting it contains a 'performance-related release clause' that could pave the way for his departure, despite having three years remaining on his current deal.

Verstappen himself has brushed aside speculation about leaving Red Bull, especially when questioned before the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this weekend.

"Honestly a lot of people are talking about it except me," he stated. "I just want to focus on my car and work with the people in my team. That is all I am thinking about in F1 at the moment."

He continued, expressing contentment with his team but not with their performance: "I am happy [at Red Bull], I'm just not very happy with our car. But that goes for everyone, we all want to be better, there's no secret about that. That's what we're trying to improve."