Mercedes are set to offer Max Verstappen the chance to be highest paid athlete in the world, as they attempt to lure the F1 World Champion away from Red Bull.
Verstappen's future has been a significant talking point so far in 2024, with the behind-the-scenes drama involving Christian Horner and Helmut Marko creating uncertainty within the team.
Despite that issue seeming to be resolved earlier in the season, Red Bull are bracing for more bad news as the team confirmed that chief designer Adrian Newey would be leaving the team in 2025.
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The team released the following statement: "The Team announces that Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey will leave the Red Bull Technology Group in the first quarter of 2025.
The engineering supremo will step back from Formula 1 design duties to focus on final development and delivery of Red Bull’s first hypercar, the hugely anticipated RB17.
"He will remain involved in and committed to this exciting project until its completion. We’d like to thank Adrian for our achievements in the time that we have worked together so far. He has been instrumental for us in achieving a remarkable seven Formula One Drivers’ and six Constructors’ Championship titles - totalling 118 victories and 101 poles including the STR 2007 pole and victory," They concluded.
These new developments have allowed Mercedes to make their move on potentially signing the Dutchman to replace Lewis Hamilton who announced he would be leaving Mercedes in February.
Considering the performance difference between Mercedes and Red Bull currently, it would likely take a staggering offer to tempt Verstappen and reports from Austrian publication OE24 confirm this to the maximum.
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The report states Mercedes' offer will be a world record for an athlete, with a reported value of '150 million euros' (£128m) a year.
The 26-year-old is currently the highest-paid F1 driver on the grid, earning a reported £55m per season with Red Bull.
"Mercedes wants to sign the reigning F1 World Champion and make Max Verstappen the highest-paid athlete in the world," The report states.
Toto Wolff's plan to seduce Verstappen doesn't only come with financial benefits, with the report also claiming the German team will offer Helmut Marko a contract to join the team.
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Verstappen already made it clear he 'wouldn't be able to continue' at Red Bull without the presence of Marko.
"Mercedes’ plan also includes another hammer, not only Verstappen would be steered away from Red Bull. Mastermind and RB Motorsport director Helmut Marko also receives an offer from his arch-rival," The report read.
INEOS and Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has also had his say, requesting Verstappen is also offered an ambassador role at Mercedes when he eventually retires from Formula 1.
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Interestingly the report also confirms there will be a meeting between Verstappen and his representatives and Mercedes in Miami ahead of the grand prix this weekend.
Verstappen will be the firm favourite in Miami as the three-time world champion is well on his way to winning his fourth consecutive F1 title.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Mercedes, Formula 1, Helmut Marko, Lewis Hamilton
Tom Jenkins