F1 Rumour: Mercedes Secures Huge Contract For Max Verstappen

Mercedes is reported to have finalized a significant deal with Max Verstappen,

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

Mercedes has reportedly approved a high-value contract with three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen amidst speculations of his departure from Red Bull.

Key Takeaways:

• Mercedes has reportedly offered Max Verstappen a substantial salary to switch from Red Bull to their team.
• Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff, who has long been interested in Verstappen, sees this as a golden opportunity.
• Verstappen's current contract with Red Bull includes a potential exit clause that may be activated under certain conditions.

The Brackley-based squad has reportedly secured a contract for Max Verstappen, aiming to bring the Dutch driver into their fold from Red Bull, where he has achieved significant success. This development comes after Auto Motor und Sport (as reported by Planet F1) revealed that Mercedes has prepared a hefty financial package to lure Verstappen.

Verstappen has been the subject of various rumours suggesting his readiness to explore new opportunities. Mercedes, which is looking to strengthen its lineup for the 2025 season when Lewis Hamilton moves to Ferrari, appears to have outpaced other teams in securing his services.

Wolff expressed his sentiments clearly after the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, stating to ESPN:

“Let’s word it like this, I think this is a decision that Max [Verstappen] needs to take but there is no team up and down the grid that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.

“I’d love to have him, but first we need to sort out our car. First, we owe it to George [Russell] and Lewis [Hamilton] to improve the car and give them equipment that is good before dreaming about the future next year.”

The contract with Verstappen, which runs until 2028 at Red Bull, reportedly includes an exit clause that could be triggered by changes within the team's management, specifically if motorsport advisor Helmut Marko leaves the team. This clause suggests that Verstappen could leave Red Bull under the right circumstances, especially with the ongoing controversy surrounding team principal Christian Horner.