F1 journalist Peter Windsor has expressed scepticism regarding reports of a €100 million contract offer from Mercedes to Max Verstappen. The discussion arose during a livestream, prompted by a viewer questioning the feasibility of such an offer given the Mercedes-Benz Group’s wider financial challenges. Windsor suggested the reported figure might represent a total contract value over multiple years rather than an annual salary.
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time World Champion, committed his future to Red Bull Racing in August 2026. He signed a new contract extending his tenure until the end of the 2030 season.
This agreement reportedly increased his base salary to $110 million (€92 million) per year. With potential performance-related bonuses, his total annual earnings package could reach approximately $135 million.
Verstappen’s previous contract, which ran until 2028, included performance-based exit clauses. These clauses would have allowed him to explore other options had he chosen to do so.
The Mercedes-Benz Group, the parent company of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team, has faced financial pressures. In October 2026, the company lowered its profit outlook for the year.
This adjustment was attributed to intensifying competition in the Chinese market and rising operational costs. The company also announced the relaunch of a voluntary severance programme for support staff in Germany, set to begin in December 2026.
Despite the parent company’s financial situation, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team achieved significant success in the 2026 season. The team secured both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ World Championships.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli clinched the Drivers’ title in Mexico, while the team secured the Constructors’ Championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix in November 2026.
Mercedes demonstrated strong performance early in the 2026 season, winning every race in the initial three rounds. However, their dominance diminished in the latter part of the season.
Red Bull and Ferrari outscored Mercedes in the final five races of the championship. Max Verstappen emerged as the highest-scoring driver during this period.
Windsor questioned the €100 million figure, suggesting it was a ’round amount’ often seen in media reports. He noted that driver salaries are frequently misunderstood. He explained that a large total contract value over several years could be misconstrued as an annual figure.
We know that they offered Max so much money. That is something you read on the internet. Different journalists think that this is the amount.
He speculated that a more realistic annual offer for Verstappen might have been in the region of €30 million to €33 million. This amount, when aggregated over a multi-year deal, could be rounded up to a larger sum like €100 million.
Windsor previously stated in May 2026 that a move for Verstappen to Mercedes was unlikely. He cited Antonelli’s strong performance, who was leading the Drivers’ Championship at that time.
He also highlighted Verstappen’s preference to remain with a competitive Red Bull team. Windsor emphasised the distinction between the F1 team’s operational budget and the broader financial health of the Mercedes-Benz Group.
The F1 team operates under a cost cap, while the automotive group faces different economic pressures. This separation allows the racing division to maintain its competitive spending.
