F1 News: Max Verstappen Leaving Red Bull Would Have Huge Commercial Impact According To Expert

Sports finance specialist Dr. Rob Wilson analyses the impact of Max Verstappen leaving Red Bull if it was to happen.

Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen hoists the trophy after winning the Formula 1 Lenovo / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

Sports finance specialist Dr. Rob Wilson has recently shed light on the potential ramifications of Max Verstappen parting ways with Red Bull Racing, hinting at a significant commercial impact. His insights draw parallels between football and Formula 1, emphasising the critical role star athletes play in the valuation and success of sports brands.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Rob Wilson compares the potential move of Max Verstappen from Red Bull to major football transfers, highlighting its significant impact on brand value.
• The challenge for Red Bull in finding a successor to Verstappen is underscored, with no clear contenders in sight.

Max Verstappen - Red Bull / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Formula 1 is bracing for potential seismic shifts, not just on the track but in its commercial undertakings, as speculation mounts over Max Verstappen's future with Red Bull Racing. Sports finance expert Dr. Rob Wilson recently delved into the intricate relationship between star athletes and the commercial fortunes of their teams. Drawing an analogy with the football world, he suggested that just as Lionel Messi's transfer bolstered Inter Miami's value, a similar effect could be anticipated were Verstappen to exit Red Bull.

Dr. Wilson remarked:

"With Max Verstappen and Red Bull, you have an increasingly important link between your playing talent or your star athletes and the prospects of the organisation.
"So Lionel Messi moved to Inter Miami, which boosted Miami's franchise value, the brand that Max Verstappen has in Red Bull will be similar, as will Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari.
"Kylian Mbappe moving to Real Madrid would be massive for their brand value like Cristiano Ronaldo going to Saudi Arabia and increasing the value of that brand and so on and so forth, is so really important."

Max Verstappen - Red Bull / Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

The expert further highlighted the daunting task that Red Bull faces in identifying a successor to Verstappen, with no evident candidates ready to fill such large shoes. This challenge is compounded by the ongoing internal strife within the Red Bull camp, fuelling rumours of Verstappen's possible departure. Wilson concluded:

"Red Bull will have to find the next Max Verstappen and I can’t see anybody putting their hands on the wheel to take over from him.
"Hamilton's move to Ferrari looks like a stroke of genius for him because the Mercedes cars are just going backwards and it will have a major impact on sponsorship and commercial value of the teams.
"Verstappen and Hamilton moving will also have a negative impact on sponsorship and commercial value of the teams they are leaving in Red Bull and Mercedes."

Thank you to Grosvenor Sport for setting up this interview.