Mercedes’ jaw-dropping offer to snatch Verstappen from Red Bull revealed

Max Verstappen, a three-time Formula 1 world champion, has received an extraordinary $160 million offer to join Mercedes from his current team, Red Bull, starting next season. This information comes from the Austrian publication OE24, which notes that this deal would position Verstappen as the highest-paid athlete globally. The offer reportedly includes a salary of 150 million euros per year, bonuses, and responsibilities as a brand ambassador after his racing career.

Despite Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull, doubts about his future with the team have arisen following recent controversies involving Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner. Additionally, key figures within Red Bull, such as design expert Adrian Newey and Motorsport director Helmut Marko, are speculated to be on their way out, with Marko potentially moving to Mercedes.

Verstappen has expressed that Marko’s departure could influence his decision to stay with Red Bull. On the other side, Toto Wolff, the team boss for Mercedes, has openly expressed his interest in signing Verstappen, stating that Mercedes has an open slot that could close if Verstappen chooses to leave Red Bull.

After Verstappen’s victory at the Chinese Grand Prix, Red Bull’s Horner responded to Wolff’s overtures, questioning why Verstappen would leave a successful team like Red Bull, which recently surpassed Mercedes in race wins in the modern era. Horner suggested that Mercedes should focus on other team issues rather than pursuing Verstappen.

Amidst these dynamics, Mercedes is also preparing for future changes as their current driver, Lewis Hamilton, is set to join Ferrari in the 2025-25 season, prompting Wolff to search for potential replacements.