Max Verstappen has been linked with a sensational move to Mercedes amid the current uncertainty at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will stay at Red Bull for F1 2025 amid rumours of a move to Mercedes, claiming the team are no longer “afraid” that he will leave.

Verstappen has established himself as the dominant force of the current era of F1, winning the last three World Championships to cement his place alongside the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.

Max Verstappen set to stay at Red Bull?

Although his current contract is not due to expire until the end of 2028, Verstappen has found himself linked with a move away from Red Bull over recent weeks amid the saga involving team principal Christian Horner.

Verstappen’s father Jos called for Horner to leave his position after the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, accusing the long-serving team boss of “playing the victim when he is the one causing the problems” after an investigation into Horner’s conduct was dismissed.

Amid concerns that Verstappen could leave Red Bull to succeed Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes in 2025, Horner argued a week later in Saudi Arabia that “nobody is bigger than the team.”

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Speaking to Dutch publication AD, Verstappen has heavily indicated that he is now committed to staying at Red Bull, claiming the uncertainty over his future has passed its peak – and he is willing to personally reassure worried members of the Red Bull team that he is going nowhere.

Asked if anyone at Red Bull his fearing his potential exit, he replied: “At the moment nobody is afraid of that, I think.

“Two weeks back, though? Mwah, that may be.

“But some people also read a lot, I don’t. And I think in general that does help.

“That’s what I do try to tell people, yes, that they better not read it all for a while, certain things.

“And if there are any questions, anyone in the team can always call me.”

Verstappen’s comments come amid growing speculation over the future of long-serving Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey, who was reportedly offered a lucrative contract to join Aston Martin during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend earlier this month.

Verstappen, whose chief mechanic has left Red Bull ahead of next weekend’s Japanese GP, has stressed the need for the team to keep its most important parts, adding: “Of course, it’s always about being able to keep the right people for as long as possible.

That’s a constant battle because of course other teams want to pull that, which is normal. That happens with the other top teams as well.”

Asked if he personally plays a role in trying to convince Red Bull employees to stay with the team, he replied: “That should come very naturally.

“Ultimately, you shouldn’t try to retain someone if they don’t want to be there.

“That has to be a natural relationship.”

The sparring partner has called time on his training camp with Tyson Fury.

A statement has been released after reports claimed Tyson Fury was DROPPED in training ahead of his undisputed clash against Oleksandr Usyk.

Fury has based himself in Saudi Arabia ahead of his monstrous showdown against Usyk on February 17.

The WBC title holder meets the WBA (super), IBF and WBO king in a massive fight to crown an undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Ahead of their Riyadh bout, Fury drafted in The Ring magazine cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia as a sparring partner to help him prepare for Usyk.

A picture on social media of Opetaia training emerged online after the link-up, accompanied with the caption: “Saudi Camp Begins.”

He was also snapped in a picture with Fury.

The 28-year-old is a knockout artist, having won 19 of his 24 professional fights by TKO/KO and most recently starched Ellis Zorro in the first round on the ‘Day of Reckoning’ card last month.

His punching power apparently troubled Fury in training camp, with reports claiming the Australian dropped the undefeated British star.

Jai Opetaia celebrates his victory. Image: Getty

However, Opetaia’s Australian co-promoters have denied those claims as they released a statement on social media.

“Jai Opetaia has recently returned from Saudi Arabia where he sparred and trained with Tyson Fury. They were fantastic, competitive rounds and an incredible experience for Jai. However any talk of either boxer being dropped is not true,” the statement read.

“Jai is now back in Australia finalising his preparation to defend his world title and cannot wait to do so in Saudi Arabia.”

Interestingly enough, Opetaia has returned to Australia, having sparred just FIVE rounds with Fury.

He will return to action on the undercard of Fury vs. Usyk as he faces Mairis Briedis for a second time.

Opetaia beat Briedis back in July 2022 to win the IBF and The Ring magazine cruiserweight titles.

They’ll run it back in Saudi Arabia.

He was called the ‘Baddest man on the planet’ for his incredible punching power and aggressive fighting style. His Speed, strength, and vicious aggression earned him the title of the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986. He is Iron Mike Tyson.

When Friends Become Foes: The Unsettling Fallout Between Mike Tyson and Stewart

Boxing icon Mike Tyson has a history that’s as explosive as his punches, and every bit as compelling. His appearance on Joe Budden TV’s YouTube channel unveiled a curious chapter from his early boxing days, one filled with surprising twists and unexpected turns. Imagine being a teenager, finding your calling in the form of boxing, and then breaking the nose of your mentor during training. That’s exactly what happened to Tyson, and the incident nearly derailed his relationship with his first trainer, “Irish” Bobby Stewart.

Even more surprising, it wasn’t the pain or the potential danger that caused the rift, but an unexpected source of contention: Stewart’s wife. Herein lies a tale that stitches together ambition, accidental injuries, and a wife’s plea, all contributing to the shaping of one of the greatest boxing champions in history.

A broken nose and a Wife’s Intervention: Tyson’s tumultuous start in Boxing

Diving into the crux of the story, Tyson opened up about his initial training days with Irish Bobby Stewart, a former professional boxer. This was a time in Tyson’s life when he was rough around the edges, a young man in a juvenile detention center finding solace and a sense of direction in boxing.

During his conversation with Joe Budden, Tyson recalled, “Irish Bobby Stewart, he was a professional boxer and he started teaching me how to box. Once I started getting my diploma from school and stopped fighting in a complex and started teaching me how to fight, on one occasion a couple of months after he taught me I accidentally broke his nose.”

The aftermath of the incident seemed to be something that weighed heavily on Tyson. He continued, “I was mad thinking that he didn’t want to work with me no more, he was mad because his wife said ‘I don’t want you boxing him no more’.”

Cus D’Amato: The guiding force behind Iron Mike

Rather than the end of his boxing journey, this proved to be a significant turning point. Stewart responded to the circumstances by introducing Tyson to someone who would become a key figure in his boxing career: Cus D’Amato. As Tyson explained, “So he took me to this other which would be my mentor then Cus D’Amato he took me totally to another different level.”

Joe Budden responded with an intrigued query, “Irish Bobby took you straight to Cus?” To which Tyson confirmed, “Absolutely.”

This captivating conversation offers a deep dive into Tyson’s initial journey into the world of boxing and how an unfortunate incident ended up setting him on the path to becoming one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history.

He has been called the toughest athlete in the history of boxing. Mike Tyson, Iron Mike, The World’s Most Dangerous Man is a martial arts legend. The most expensive heavyweight fighter, the strongest puncher, the best in many other ways. His record stands at 50 wins, 44 of them by knockout.

Edgar Berlanga labeled ‘Greatest power-puncher since Mike Tyson’

Hall of Famer promoter Bob Arum has heaped high praise on one of his Top Rank prospects comparing the KO artist to a young Mike Tyson.

Edgar Berlanga Jr, who moved to 16-0 with a 16th straight first-round knockout earlier this month, is certainly living up to his name at ‘The Chosen One.’

The 23-year-old dumps fellow-pros on the canvas for fun and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting fighters in the world.

When Berlanga is on a card, the boxing community knows about it. The sheer happening is becoming an event on its own.

Arum, who knows a thing or two about knockouts, couldn’t have given Berlanga any bigger compliment after his latest triumph.

MIKE TYSON

“Edgar Berlanga Jr is the greatest power-punching phenomenon I’ve seen since the heyday of a young Mike Tyson,” declared Arum,

“I am absolutely astounded when I witness this incredible power of his punches from ringside,” he added.

The fighter himself is obviously trying to keep his feet on the ground but says he receives love and hate in equal measure anyway.

“I’m most hated right now. They don’t like seeing a young man prosper,” pointed out Berlanga.

“Keep hating. You really are going to hate me more and more. If they ain’t talking about me, then I’m not popping!”

Taking out Ulises Sierra at the MGM Grand on December 12, Berlanga’s afterthoughts were that of a super-confident fighter.

“I was thinking about going to the second round when it hit on two minutes,” he said. “Just to let the guy slide and take him out in the second.

“But I said f— that! Ain’t no guy whose eyes are criss-cross looking at me going to be in front like that. You gotta work your a– off to get out that round.”

STAR POWER

Berlanga reveled in his ratings as TV audiences continue lapping up his broadcasts.

“2.2 million viewers saw my fight on Saturday (December 12th), making it one of the highest-rated fights of 2020.

“I showed everyone I’m the next big thing. I’m now the main event attraction, and I want that money that comes with it.

“When your a strong fighter and could box and punch now, that’s dangerous. I’m that type of fighter.

“I haven’t done s— in the sport of boxing but break knockout records. I want more,” concluded the New Yorker.

A world title shot beckons for Berlanga in 2021.

The event was the return of the world’s biggest boxing star, Mike Tyson to the ring. After serving three years in prison, Tyson was released on parole on March 25, 1995; shortly before that, on March 2, he held a short press conference at which he announced his return to boxing…

$10 Million Boxer-Turned-Businessman Mike Tyson Refuses to Reveal His “GOAT Sneaker” Just Because “None Is Paying” Him for Wearing Them

Ahead of the upcoming fight with Tyson Fury, Mike Tyson and Francis Ngannou had a “GOAT Talk” with Complex. Among other topics, the duo spoke about the “GOAT Sneaker”. Ngannou declared that he possessed a number of Air Jordan shoes. In addition, he expressed his fascination with the Air Force shoes he saw Jay-Z wear when he was young.

With Mike Tyson in front of him, Ngannou recalled the time when he was poor and barefoot. Growing up in 2000, the former UFC heavyweight champion once saw a video of Jay-Z. In the video, the hip-hop artist was wearing a pair of white Air Force shoes. And from that moment on, Ngannou wanted to have Air Force shoes one day. While Ngannou spoke about his fascination with the Air Jordan and Air Force, Mike Tyson remained silent about his “GOAT Sneaker”.

Mike Tyson remains quiet about his “GOAT Sneaker,” while Ngannou promotes the Air Force and Air Jordans

Without hesitation, Ngannou announced that the Air Jordan was his “Goat Sneaker” since he had “a lot of them”. Along these lines, Ngannou added, “I remember growing up back in 2000 I saw a video of Jay-Z. He was going up the stairs with the Air Force. White Air Force. And I was barefoot at that moment. I was just like, ‘I hope I have that shoe’. For so long, the Air Force was in my mind. Whenever I have money and if I can afford it, I will have that Air Force.” After his answer, Ngannou eagerly looked at Tyson. However, Tyson remained quiet.

Tyson, who is worth $10 million, does not want to promote a brand that is not paying him. Hence, the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ remained silent. “Well, I’m not gonna tell you what my GOAT sneaker is because none is paying me yet for wearing them. But until then, I’ll let you know,” Tyson, who has been called out by John Fury, announced. Following the answer, Ngannou laughed, and the two moved on.

Credits: IMAGO/Nordphoto

Aside from their struggles with the W15, Mercedes is still looking for a Lewis Hamilton replacement. The team has various drivers on its watchlist and also receives a recommendation now and then. Appearing as a guest on Beyond the Grid Podcast, F1 Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds claimed Fernando Alonso could be a prospect for Mercedes to consider.

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When Alonso joined Aston Martin, the team was in shambles. His arrival in the team allowed them to gain some much-needed direction in their strategy. The Silverstone-based team soon turned their fate around and quickly became the dark horse of F1. Eventually, they finished P4 in the constructors’ championship in 2023, taking the entire F1 grid by surprise.

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Symonds believes Alonso would be a short- and medium-term option for the Silver Arrows. Alonso could be the best replacement for Mercedes, given his experience can help the team with their 2026-spec car. Toto Wolff has cleared, but he will still wait for a few months before landing upon a concrete target. He wants to see how the driver market evolves and make an informed decision.

Nonetheless, Symonds claims Wolff does not need to look beyond Alonso in the short term. With George Russell having been a part of Mercedes for at least a couple of years, he is a prospect for the future. Continuity plays a critical role in F1, and Russell could make up for half of the continuity in the Mercedes driver lineup. As for the other half, Symonds claimed he would advise Wolff to sign Alonso and be on the lookout for prospects.

Fernando Alonso keeping Mercedes and Red Bull waiting over his future

Currently, in the last year of his contract with Aston Martin, Alonso is yet to decide on what comes next for him. His team is currently suffering a sharp decline in their performance, especially compared to last year. Hence, it looks unlikely that they will be able to retain the services of the Spanish driver. However, Alonso claimed he wants to understand how he feels about his current system before thinking about other prospects.

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Fed up from consistent questions about his future, Alonso said that his decision will come “before the summer.” Hoping to avoid answering the question for some time, Alonso claimed summer would be the window for him to decide on his future. Thus far in 2024, Alonso has recorded a P9, a P5, and a P8 finish. Contrary to last year, Aston Martin doesn’t look like an outfit that can compete for a podium finish. While teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari continue to fight at the front, Aston Martin has yet to solve their fundamental shortcomings.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg had an unlikely alliance away from the track where the two F1 drivers paired up for business. According to a report on Reddit, the Red Bull driver would have Hulkenberg’s white-green Moneygram Haas helmets for sale on his website Verstappen.com.

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Even though Verstappen and Hulkenberg never raced together in F1 and are not compatriots, there is a different sense of amicable relationship between them. According to renowned Dutch journalist Erik van Haren, the duo are great friends, and who knows they might be ‘best friends’ as well.

Therefore, friends doing business together is not an uncommon scenario, and this is what both of them followed recently. Verstappen will have 1:2 model mini Hulkenberg helmets for sale now on his website, each priced at $194.50. Interestingly, they are also in talks to bring in caps and model cars of the Haas F1 team on the website in the future.

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These helmets are scale-size and rare, to say the least. Apart from these, fans can also buy the three-time world champion’s Red Bull scale-sized helmets, overalls, shirts, jackets, and team wear.

However, one must remember, that they were not used or worn by Verstappen, and hence not exclusive. Apart from these, the website also offers Red Bull cars [scale models], and race tickets for sale.

What makes Verstappen.com so important?

Max Verstappen is the most sought-after driver in Formula 1 currently. In the last few years, he has three world titles and raked in multiple Grand Prix wins. This brought him immense fame and took him near the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, and Sebastian Vettel in terms of global recognition.

Therefore, Verstappen has become a brand now and as a result, Verstappen.com earned prominence on the internet. Apart from having his own contract and image rights, the Dutchman also brought up this website that sells everything related to him. Therefore, it will not be unfair to call it a one-stop place to buy all his merchandise.

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Max Verstappen has multiple projects under him. From his collaboration with Team Redline to Verstappen.com Racing and the website Verstappen.com, the Dutchman is sitting pretty with all of his investments and startups.

He currently has a reported net worth of $210 million and he garnered a formidable amount from his merchandise sales. However, the exact range is still unknown but it is believed it is one of his three sources [two others being his salary and brand endorsement] of income.

IMAGO / Motorsport Images

Charles Leclerc will have a new teammate at Ferrari from 2025 onwards, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the Maranello-based outfit. While Leclerc wants to take that extra step in his career and work towards being a world champion himself, he looks forward to having a legend like Hamilton at Ferrari and vows to learn from him.

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Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz, who is having a strong start to the 2024 season, will make way for Hamilton come 2025. Many see it as a huge step up for Leclerc, as having a driver as successful as Hamilton as a teammate, could be difficult. Leclerc, however, does not see himself becoming the number two. Instead, he wants to show the world what he can do while also taking notes.

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As reported by SoyMotor, Leclerc said, “I will learn from Lewis [Hamilton]. It is also an opportunity for me to show what I am capable of doing, which I take as an exciting challenge. I think it will be great.” 

Hamilton’s main aim in joining Ferrari is not just to fulfill a lifelong dream. He wants to win his eighth world championship, and with Mercedes’ development seemingly going nowhere, joining the Italian outfit seems like this best chance at retiring with 8 titles. Looking back on this incredible appointment, Leclerc admits that even though he knew about developments behind the scenes, realizing that there was a chance of teaming up with Hamilton surprised him a lot.

Meanwhile, Sainz, the man who will be replaced by Hamilton, remains without a seat for 2024. This is despite him being the only driver since the start of the 2023 season to beat Red Bull in a race- and he has done it twice.

Charles Leclerc on last dance with Carlos Sainz

Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021 and defeated Leclerc in their first season together as teammates. The following two seasons, Sainz lost out in the intra-team battle, but he achieved personal milestones that he couldn’t in any other team. On the track, Sainz’s battles with the Monegasque have been healthy, which is why the latter highlighted the relationship between them has been fantastic.

“I have had a really incredible relationship with Carlos,” said the 26-year-old. “We have had incredible years together, more difficult years together as a team, because the performance was not exactly where we wanted.”

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Now that Sainz is headed out, Leclerc is excited for the next chapter. He has already had a four-time world champion in Sebastian Vettel as his teammate in 2019 and 2020, and will now partner up with the sport’s most successful driver.

In their last year together as teammates, Leclerc wants his partnership with Sainz to end on a strong note. Ferrari has made progress, as was evident in Australia last weekend, and the duo wants to ride this momentum and get the best possible finish.

Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images

At 26, Max Verstappen has achieved just about everything he can in F1. However, staying in the sport long-term isn’t one of his dreams, and he wants to try out other disciplines before retiring from motorsports. After that, he doesn’t know where the future will take him. On the other hand, he does have an idea about the kind of things he will try once he gets older. Safe to say that his partner Kelly Piquet is not a big fan of those ideas.

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In a documentary available on Dutch Viaplay, Verstappen revealed that he has a special toy back home that is a part of his retirement plan. As seen in the clip uploaded on X by user Marc, Verstappen slipped up to reveal he owns a motorcycle in Holland. A shocked Piquet quickly enquired, “Which bike?”

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With a smile on his slightly afraid-looking face, Verstappen answered, “My Harley. I have a Harley (Davidson).” Piquet continued by asking what was the use of the bike. The Red Bull driver then detailed that he had plans of using it in his retirement, not right now.

Verstappen argued that until he gets to drive it, he plans on using it as a showpiece, admittedly a very expensive one. In the United States, a Harley costs roughly $20K.

However, once he gets old and gray, Verstappen assumes he will be able to ride it. In an attempt to lighten the mood, the Dutchman said he would perhaps take the bike out for a ride “with my fat belly on the tank.” A far from amused Piquet replied Verstappen could perhaps join the “Hell’s Angels, Monaco” (a biker gang).

Red Bull curbed the bike racing dreams of Max Verstappen

In December 2022, Max Verstappen engaged in a conversation with MotoGP legend Marc Marquez. During the same, Verstappen admitted to Marquez of being envious of his sport. He detailed his awe of MotoGP riders, claiming what they do is “crazy.” Verstappen added that the straight-line speed that two-wheeled racers attain was incredible and that he wanted to try the same.

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However, Red Bull won’t allow him to do so. The team doesn’t give him permission as they fear the 26-year-old might return with a broken leg.

Going slow on a bike is always an option for Verstappen, but it isn’t one he is willing to take. Knowing himself well enough, the 3X F1 world champion claimed that if he were given a chance, he would certainly push the bike. Hence, the chances of something going wrong increase significantly.

Therefore, Red Bull has put a ban on Verstappen riding bikes. Taking the ban into consideration, Verstappen’s retirement plan makes even more sense. With no risk of ruining a championship run, a chubby Verstappen can roam on the streets of Monaco with his “belly resting” easily on the tank.

Credits: IMAGO / agefotostock

Lewis Hamilton’s long-standing rivalry with Nico Rosberg has been a topic of interest among F1 fans for ages, but it is the latter who brings it up more frequently than the former. Rosberg, once Hamilton’s best friend, did not even think twice before calling him out in a documentary about F1 legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

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The documentary titled ‘A Life of Speed‘ came out on Netflix in 2020, and gave fans an insight into the life of the legendary Argentine F1 driver, who in the sport’s absolute early days, won five world titles. Rosberg was one of the guests, invited to speak, and he narrated an incident about Fangio’s life.

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Rosberg revealed how, in 1955, Fangio’s car broke down in a race, which is why he came into the pits. His teammate at the time, Peter Collins had a shot at winning too, but decided to get out of the car and give it to Fangio so that he could compete for the win. It was an immaculate display of sportsmanship, that today, would have melted the hearts of the F1 community (if the FIA allowed the same). Rosberg, however, turned it into a moment concerning him and Hamilton.

The German former driver sarcastically said, “I don’t know. Do you think Lewis Hamilton would have done that for me?” 

Rosberg has brought Hamilton up on many occasions and jokes about the rivalry they once shared, which ended with him winning the 2016 title. In terms of talent, however, the former Mercedes driver never doubted his once best friend.

Nico Rosberg hailed Lewis Hamilton for realizing personal dream

In 2024, Lewis Hamilton announced that he would leave Mercedes after 11 years, and join Ferrari – the most successful driver of all time joining the sport’s most successful team ever. This move has everything on paper, to provide a fairytale ending to Hamilton’s career, especially because glory has eluded both him and the Scuderia for far too long.

Rosberg, who knew Hamilton very well, realized that it was a personal dream of his to join the fabled Italian outfit. In an interview with Suddeutsche Zeitung, Rosberg said, “There are two legendary teams that everyone wants to drive for – Ferrari and Mercedes. I can understand that he is fulfilling a personal dream with this.”

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The move surprised Rosberg, as it did the majority of the F1 community. But Hamilton was and remains visibly unhappy with Mercedes’ performance. Now at the twilight of his career, the seven-time world champion wants to drive for a team that can help him win his eighth title. Ferrari, a team making big strides, could turn out to be the one helping him do that.