Aston Martin used Max Verstappen’s interest in their GT3 car to “lure” the four-time reigning world champion, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has claimed. Verstappen has been routinely linked with a move to Red Bull’s Formula One rivals over the past few months.

Wide-ranging reports claim that Aston have raised the prospect of signing the Dutchman during talks with potential sponsors. It was suggested during the off-season that they would be prepared to pay a whopping £790million ($1billion) to take him away from Red Bull.

“Officially, there has been contact because of Max’s passion for GT racing,” Marko told Motorsport-Total. “As we know, Max is a team owner and regularly drives GT cars himself.

“Apparently the Aston Martin is seen as one of the most interesting cars in that category and one has now become part of Max’s GT programme. The GT3 was the lure. And it is no secret that [Adrian] Newey is a big fan of Max. And then it’s only logical that you make him an offer.”