F1 News: Verstappen receives STUNNING $160 million offer from F1 rival

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, China, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Verstappen receives STUNNING $160 million offer from F1 rival

Red Bull are in crisis mode with Adrian Newey's impending departure

Originally written by Chris Deeley. This version is a translation.

Friday 3 May 2024 19:00

Mercedes are set to make an offer to more than treble Max Verstappen's salary, in an attempt to lure the Red Bull star out of his current contract.

Verstappen's situation – despite being under contract until the end of 2028 – has been in question for most of the season, with internal friction rife at Red Bull thanks to the fallout of the Christian Horner saga.

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That saga has led to the resignation of Adrian Newey this week, with the legendary designer taking his talents to the open market at the end of the season, and some have warned that Verstappen could join him in walking out the door.

The Sun report that Mercedes are preparing an astonishing £128m-a-year offer for the Dutchman, with his management team expected to sit down with Toto Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius and Sir Jim Ratcliffe after the Miami Grand Prix.

Verstappen has continued to dominate in 2024

Verstappen Sr.: We'll see what happens

"I think everyone wants him," his father Jos told RaceXpress. "I think Max is ok for the moment. He has a fast car.

"Normally I'm not going to say anything about that," Verstappen continued. "I don't know anything about it. Basically, there is a deal between him and Red Bull and the rest we'll see.

"We all know how he has performed and how good he is."

Red Bull Mercedes Christian Horner Toto Wolff Adrian Newey Miami Grand Prix