Verstappen: Even £150m wouldn’t tempt me
MAX VERSTAPPEN has revealed he would be ready to turn down a record £130million-a-year salary in a blow to Mercedes’ pursuit of the world champion.
Team principal Toto Wolff has admitted the driver dominating Formula One is at the top of his wish list as a replacement for Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
It was even reported ahead of tomorrow’s Miami Grand Prix that the Silver Arrows had tabled an astronomical 150-million-euro bid for Verstappen’s services – although senior sources close to the Mercedes camp have dismissed the story as entirely fabricated.
Asked if he had been offered a contract by Mercedes, Verstappen, a winner of four of the five rounds so far, said: “No, and even if that was the case, 150 million, money is not going to be the differentiator for me to go somewhere.”
Verstappen, who is under contract with Red Bull until 2028 and takes home close to £50m per year, continued: “I am happy with what I am earning already.
“It is about performance because if I know if I was driving for fifth or sixth, you get quite grumpy. Everyone knows it is about performance and Toto knows that, too.”
Verstappen, 26, is on course to waltz to his fourth world championship in as many years and finished fastest in practice for the Miami Grand Prix yesterday.
Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari, one place ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell.
Lewis Hamilton finished seventh with Lando Norris 16th in his McLaren.
Hamilton is in the midst of his worst start to a season. The 39-year-old has failed to finish inside the top six this year in his uncompetitive machinery, and he crossed the line in ninth last time out in China.
“I’m really hoping that the year gets better,” said Hamilton, who has 19 races remaining in silver before he switches to red.