The reason why Max Verstappen was spotted 'testing an Aston Martin' amid rumours of £1 billion deal

This week's footage of Max Verstappen being seen driving an Aston Martin car has reportedly been clarified.

Last month, a report from the Daily Mail claimed that Aston Martin were interested in luring Verstappen to the team in a deal worth a staggering £1 billion.

However, a spokesperson for Aston Martin Aramco swiftly denied the claims made by the Daily Mail.

Aston Martin also stated that both Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso are contracted to the team for 2025 and 2026.

This week, after attending the F1 75 event, reigning world champion Verstappen was spotted driving an Aston Martin, but it was not a Formula 1 car.

In fact, the Dutchman was filmed driving a Red Bull/Verstappen.com-liveried Aston Martin GT3 at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

Why was Max Verstappen seen driving an Aston Martin GT3

As reported by Planet F1, Verstappen revealed at the F1 75 event that the only contact he has had with Aston Martin was about "GT3 for this year. That’s it."

The 27-year-old has previously hinted at launching his own GT3 team, and after being filmed driving one this week, plans could be in motion already.

Speaking previously to Formule 1 magazine, as per Planet F1, Verstappen explained: "It all started with Team Redline in sim racing. With Verstappen.com Racing we are sponsoring and supporting various racing activities from people close to me.

"We are also active in DTM and the GTWC Sprint with Thierry Vermeulen [son of Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen] and with my father [Jos] in rallying, but the end goal is to put together our own race team."

He added: "The first step in our own GT3 team and then we’ll see where we end up. It would be nice to be able to grow to the highest level in endurance racing.

"We are working on it at the moment. Next year will be tight, but I would like to have it as soon as possible. Having a GT3 team in 2025 with a minimum of two cars should be possible."

The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.