Reports have emerged that Max Verstappen is set to be offered an exciting deal to leave Red Bull.
Mercedes are thought to be looking to swoop in for the Dutchman, following countless comments from Toto Wolff over recent weeks about his desire to bring Verstappen into his team.
If true, the Brackley-based team will offer the three-time Formula 1 champion a contract worth €150 million a year, including bonuses – this is according to OE24 And F1 from the inside.
It has been suggested that talks will begin as early as this week, at the Grand Prix in Miami.
After a turbulent few months for Red Bull, these rumors will do nothing to calm the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team.
Internal turmoil, as a result of the now-dismissed allegations against team principal Christian Horner, and the ensuing power struggle which he apparently caused, is believed to be at the heart of recent speculation that legendary Formula 1 technical director and designer Adrian Newey is looking to leave the Milton-based team. Keynesian headquarters.
Package deal?
While Verstappen is under contract until the end of the 2028 season, there is reportedly a break-clause in his deal that allows him to leave if advisor Dr. Helmut Marko also leaves the team. The Dutchman is known to have a strong relationship with the 81-year-old Austrian.
Therefore, if Mercedes wants to move him away from Red Bull early, Marko could come as part of a package deal – something that has also been suggested.
The multi-faceted and evolving situation is believed to have created uncertainty in the Verstappen camp, which has been exacerbated by concerns about Red Bull's ability to continue its dominance of Formula One in the next power unit and chassis regulations cycle at the start of the season. 2026 – Insecurities that Mercedes tries to capitalize on.
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