Reports from Italy indicate that Aston Martin is prepared to pay a historic sum to Max Verstappen, reportedly €264 million over three years, to leave his current team.

The Saudi Arabian wealth fund would finance the driver's salary and also aims to fully acquire the team from its current owner, Lawrence Stroll.

This offer could potentially make Verstappen the highest-paid athlete globally, surpassing the likes of Messi and Ronaldo.

Currently, Verstappen is in third place in the early stages of the season, with his contract set to expire in 2028. Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, downplayed the rumors, stating that they are just 'noise' and that Verstappen will continue driving for Red Bull beyond the current season.

The upcoming Grand Prix is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, where Verstappen has established himself as a favorite to win, having secured four consecutive championships and being named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world.