As fresh rumours link Max Verstappen to Aston Martin in a £1 billion deal, Adrian Newey reportedly told his new team that “even the best racehorse needs the best rider”.

Is a Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey reunion on the cards?

According to the Daily Mail, Aston Martin’s managing director of commercial and marketing Jefferson Slack has been wooing potential sponsors by claiming four-time F1 champ Verstappen is set to join the team.

Aston Martin have strenuously denied the report, telling PlanetF1.com: “An Aston Martin Aramco spokesperson categorically denied the story.”

According to F1-Insider, the design legend, who starts work at the Silverstone team in early March, is said to have told Aston Martin: “Even the best racehorse needs the best rider.”

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko told Sport Bild: “That’s all well and good, but Max has a contract with us until the end of 2028.