Auto Motor und Sport has revealed the terms of Mercedes’ contract offer to world champion Max Verstappen. Mercedes is attempting to get Verstappen from Red Bull in order to take Lewis Hamilton’s spot as the seven-time world champion.
It’s possible that the Dutchman will need a lot of persuasion. He has won the last three world titles with Red Bull, and he is ready to build on his historic victory in 2023 by having an equally strong campaign this year.
As new rules are introduced by the sport in 2026, it is really anticipated that the Bulls will remain in the driver’s seat in Formula One. But AMuS has exposed the extent Mercedes will go to in order to get rid of him.
In 2024, the Silver Arrows have had difficulty thus far, finishing off the podium in any of the first four races. With only 34 points, they are 107 points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, and in fourth place overall.
To persuade Verstappen, Wolff is prepared to offer him a long-term ambassadorship. The 57-time Grand Prix winner seems to appreciate Brackley’s friendliness in the midst of the conflict at his present squad.
Would Lewis Hamilton earn less money than Max Verstappen?
AMuS claims that Wolff is prepared to wait as long as possible to sign Verstappen as his Hamilton replacement because he is hopeful Verstappen will consent to play. He may miss out on a different target as a result, such as Carlos Sainz, but he’s willing to take the opportunity.
The deal that the team will present to the 26-year-old has already received approval from the Mercedes hierarchy.
His salary appears to be more than that of Hamilton, the most successful driver in Formula One history, when bonuses are taken into account. Pedro Fermin Flores, a journalist, continues, “there is a noticeable difference.”
The British driver’s exact compensation when he joins Ferrari in 2025 is yet unknown. He chose not to continue with Mercedes after the second year, and has now inked a multi-year contract with the Italian brand.
What is the salary of Max Verstappen at Red Bull?
Verstappen already has the largest contract of any driver on the Formula One grid, according to data from Spotrac. After signing a McLaren deal in the winter, Lando Norris is fourth and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third, with Hamilton coming closest to his astounding £824k-a-week salary.
The former coach of Verstappen believes that he would only leave Red Bull if he thought there was a better possibility he could win somewhere else. While it is unlikely that any team would be able to provide such in the near future, the 2026 rule changes are undoubtedly a factor.
When we previously witnessed such a big shift in 2014, Mercedes outperformed their rivals by winning eight consecutive constructors’ titles. Hamilton made a career-defining move in 2013 when he joined the German manufacturer, leaving McLaren behind.
Even though at first he was unable to compete with Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel, Mercedes gave him a strong car for his second season. It remains to be seen if Verstappen sticks with Red Bull in the long run or takes a similar risk.
