F1 news: Max Verstappen Tax Evasion Accusations Cleared Up By Manager
Max Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen has cleared the air after Max was recently accused of evading taxes worth €200 million.
In a report published by De Volkskrant and journalist Rutger Bregman on LinkedIn, Max was accused of not contributing his bit to Dutch society since he resides in tax-free Monaco.
While many other F1 drivers do the same thing, the accusations against Max were a bit too much.
Max has not commented on the matter yet. However, Raymond Vermeulen has taken charge by rubbishing the claim made by Rutger. He says:
“That fact is completely false and what they wrote is incorrect. We pay tax on the sporting performances we put on in the Netherlands, as well as the income Max earns over the weekend in Zadvoort (the Dutch Grand Prix),” said Vermeulen. “We also pay taxes in other countries where he generates income as an athlete.”
Apart from the accusation, Rutger Bregman has been very bitter about Max and has gone on to say a lot more.
"For some people, I don't understand how to look in the mirror. Take Max Verstappen's massive tax avoidance.
Just one day after turning 18, he moved to Monaco. Are tax rates there? 0 percent. Are tax rates here in the Netherlands? 0 percent. His tax rate in Belgium, where he lived until he was 18? 0 percent. Of the 64 million euros that Verstappen earns this year, he contributes 0 euros to education and care, police and fire brigade. Nothing at all.
Verstappen himself benefited from public paid education at primary school De Boomgaard in Maaseik and secondary school Trevianum in Sittard. But his own contribution to the schools of the Netherlands and Belgium? Nothing, nada, noppes. 'If Verstappen remains based in Monaco until 2028,' de Volkskrant calculates, 'his tax benefit will increase to at least 200 million euros in 13 years' time.'
How does such a person perform to celebrate with a Dutch flag in his hands? Perhaps because no one around him dares to tell him the truth. Last year, this so-called 'hero' was even appointed an officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau – the ribbon and the ceremony were financed by those who do pay their taxes properly.
See also the article in this weekend's Volkskrant, about the immoral practices of Verstappen and other top athletes: https://lnkd.in/e_J_Etdy
And imagine if a greedy banker with a Dutch flag were to run around on the Zuidas. The country would be too small. As far as I'm concerned, we'll stop cheering for these kinds of people. People like Verstappen don't work for their country. They only work for themselves."
The journalist has voiced strong opinions, but if the accusations have no legal basis, it could land him in trouble.