Author: quyen1

  • Eddie Hearn may only watch ‘freak show’ Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight under one condition

    Eddie Hearn may only watch ‘freak show’ Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight under one condition

    Eddie Hearn admits he may not even watch Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul in a brutally honest interview about the controversial bout.

    Tyson, 57, will return to the ring to face Paul, 27, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in a fight which has divided opinion among boxing fans.

    While some are delighted to see Tyson make his return to professional boxing, others have questioned the safety of the fight, given the huge age gap between the two men involved.

    Former undisputed heavyweight champion Tyson has not fought since drawing with Roy Jones Jr in an exhibition match in 2020, while his last professional bout came back in 2005 against Kevin McBridge, when he was beaten inside two rounds.

    Several high-profile names from the world of boxing have voiced concerns for the former heavyweight champion’s well-being. Meanwhile, a senior lecturer in medicine at Anglia Ruskin University has even warned that the fight could see Tyson suffer fatal injuries.

    British boxing legend Ricky Hatton is among those to question the fight, claiming great champions would be “turning in their grave”.

    Matchrooom promoter Eddie Hearn has previously questioned the fight and doubled down on his comments in a new interview with The Stomping Ground, admitting he may not even watch it when it airs on Netflix.

    “It’s difficult, you know my opinion because I’ve given interviews on it before,” he said.

    “But if you say anything negative, you’re a hater. I get the event. I know what people want to see. They want to see freak shows. And that’s what it is.

    Eddie Hearn has questioned Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson (Image: Getty)
    Eddie Hearn has questioned Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson (Image: Getty)

    “It’ll do really well. People will tune in. But it’s not for everyone. If you grew up watching Mike Tyson and he’s one of your greatest fighters of all-time, the last thing you want to do is see him get back in the ring at 58-years-old and lose to Jake Paul.

    “The general consensus from the casual audience is ‘oh that’s a bit of a freak show, I’ll watch that’. Who knows what’s going to be on the card, maybe it’s a great night of boxing, we’ll see.

    When asked if he’ll watch the fight, Hearn claimed he would have to see the quality of the undercard before making a final decision.

    “We’ll see. We’ll see what’s on the undercard. I don’t know,” he said.

  • Dana White didn’t hold back in huge rant about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight

    Dana White didn’t hold back in huge rant about Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight

    Dana White has unleashed a fresh rant on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight, as the UFC boss continues to slam the YouTuber turned professional boxer.

    Paul, fresh off a significant victory over Ryan Bourland earlier this month, is set to step back into the ring on July 20th for a showdown against Tyson at AT&T Stadium.

    Their highly anticipated Texas bout will be broadcast on Netflix, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. However, concerns have arisen as a doctor has issued a health warning to the boxing icon ahead of his return to the ring.

    The controversial bout has divided fans and members of the combat sports community, with many strongly criticizing both Tyson and Paul for agreeing to fight.

    Mike Tyson announces end to Hotboxin’ podcast
    Credit: Instagram/MikeTyson

    One of the most vocal cynics is UFC boss Dana White who has made his opinion very clear despite his positive relationship with Tyson.

    “I love Mike and I hate talking about it because he always gets mad at me when I talk about this stuff,” White explained on the ‘Pound 4 Pound’ podcast.

    Like many who have voiced their concern following the fight announcement, White’s main issue comes from the severe age difference between the two fighters.

    “When the fight happens he’ll be 58 years old, it will be a 31 age difference. You know Jake Paul did fight a kid his own age and he lost,” White continued.

    “I saw this thing on the internet yesterday that if he beats Mike Tyson he’ll fight Clint Eastwood next, Clint Eastwood is 93 years old,” The UFC boss joked.

    Jake Paul- Getty
    Jake Paul- Getty

    White even accused Paul of not being in it for the sport, despite the 27-year-old always insisting he wants to become a world champion in boxing eventually.

    When the topic of Paul being a respected fighter came up, White interrupted former UFC champion Kamara Usman to make his feelings extremely clear.

    “But he doesn’t, he doesn’t want to be a respected fighter what Jake wants is to make money, people who follow Jake Paul don’t buy Jake Paul’s fights so Jake Paul has to fight people who can sell actual pay-per-views,” White ranted.

  • Mike Tyson’s punch power ‘like being hit by grand piano’ as stunning stats emerge ahead of Jake Paul fight

    Mike Tyson’s punch power ‘like being hit by grand piano’ as stunning stats emerge ahead of Jake Paul fight

    A Mike Tyson punch has the same power as being hit by a grand piano, according to a study.

    Earlier this month it was announced that the YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 27, would take on former unified heavyweight champion Tyson in a boxing match on July 20.

    Paul beat Ryan Bourland in his 10th professional fight in February and has a record of nine wins and one defeat.

    Meanwhile, Tyson, who is 30 years Paul’s senior and will be 58 by the time the fight takes place, was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles in 1987.

    Moreover, Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20, in what was then his 28th professional fight. He won 26 of them by knockout.

    While Tyson last competed in a professional bout in 2005, he is likely to pose a problem for Paul.

    Researcher Irineu Loturco claimed in 2020 that Tyson could hit his opponent in the head with an impact equivalent to 450kg – which is the weight of a grand piano.

    As cited by The Sun, he said: “A punch from a heavyweight boxer can hit the rival in the head with an impact equivalent to 450 kilos.

    “It is worth saying that this is an average value within the published studies.

    “Mike Tyson has always been well above that.”

    Several commentators have claimed that Tyson is likely to have the better of Paul, despite the huge age gap between the fighters.

    Mike Tyson has one of the hardest punches in boxing history (Getty)
    Mike Tyson has one of the hardest punches in boxing history (Getty)

    Joe Rogan said on his eponymous podcast: “I don’t give a f**k if he’s 55, that’s still Mike Tyson. He trains with Rafael Cordeiro, who’s a legend in MMA. He runs Kings Mixed Martial Arts. Rafael is a world-renowned trainer. When you see him holding the mits for Tyson and Tyson is smashing the mits. Jesus! That guy can still f*** you up.

    “In this world with hormone replacement and vitamins. He does all this electrical muscle stimulation recovery stuff.

    “When they were training Mike for that Roy Jones fight they were using state-of-the-art science. I don’t give a f*** if he’s 55 years old that guy will hurt you. If Jake Paul’s on the other side of the ring and he sees Mike Tyson bobbing and weaving he’s going to have a recognition.

    “He’s going to look over and go, ‘Oh my God, that’s really Mike Tyson.’”

  • Jake Paul slams ‘leaked rules’ for Mike Tyson fight with video circulating on social media (Video)

    Jake Paul slams ‘leaked rules’ for Mike Tyson fight with video circulating on social media (Video)

    Jake Paul has responded to a series of alleged rules for his fight against Mike Tyson that are circulating online.

    Earlier this month it was announced that Paul would be taking on Tyson in a boxing match on July 20 in Texas.

    Paul, 27, beat Ryan Bourland in his 10th professional fight in February, while Tyson, 57, has not competed in a professional bout since 2005 but is widely considered among the greatest boxers of all time.

    In 1986 Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history at 20, while a year later he was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles.

    It is unclear if it will be an official fight or an exhibition bout and amid the uncertainty, several people on TikTok have alleged that there will be a series of unique rules for the contest.

    One video claimed that Paul would be allowed to wear headgear for the fight and Tyson wouldn’t. The same clip alleged that Jake was allowed to “tag team” his brother Jake into the bout if needed, with the pair able to take on the heavyweight together.

    When the aforementioned rules were listed to Paul on the Betr podcast, the YouTube-turned-boxer said: “It’s so sad that millions of people believe that. It’s f***ing absurd. Obviously, none of that is true.

    “They’re so f***ing stupid. Anyone who believes that s*** should not be allowed to vote.

    “Actually, I thought of this – there should be these hidden tests throughout life that qualify you to be able to vote or not. And they don’t know whether they’re taking a test or not.

    “The fact that these people are not only driving around on our streets but they’re able to vote? They’re out there driving cars! They’re dumb as f*** and it’s sad.

    “We live in a f***ed up world. Humans are getting more and more stupid every day. It’s crazy.”

  • With 4 Thundering Words of Red Bull Loyalty, Max Verstappen Ends All Mercedes Rumors

    With 4 Thundering Words of Red Bull Loyalty, Max Verstappen Ends All Mercedes Rumors

    “Nobody Wants to F*ck With This Guy”: Dictator in Max Verstappen Dubbed Responsible for Dominant F1 Run
    IMAGO / NurPhoto

    Since early February, Christian Horner has been at the center of media scrutiny following allegations of misconduct. While he was acquitted of any impropriety and seemingly resolved, it has shaken Red Bull to its core. With vultures circulating Max Verstappen, whose detachment to the team and Horner was evident, the champion shoots them down with just one simple phrase.

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    Amidst rumors of potential overtures from Mercedes and Aston Martin, Max Verstappen laid the conjectures to rest in a recent interview with The Project. When asked if there was any scenario in which we’d see him out of the blue overalls, Verstappen succinctly stated, “Once I stop driving.”

    Horner’s turmoil engulfed the team, with Jos Verstappen urging the team principal to depart and even seen in friendly conversation with the rival – Mercedes’ Toto Wolff. Helmut Marko’s leadership was also threatened. Speculation arose regarding Marko’s potential suspension two weeks ago, prompting a stern reaction from their Golden Boy, who declared his departure if Marko were to leave.

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    Expanding on his stance, Verstappen added, “I don’t think about it too much anyway. Like what I’m doing in the future, or whatever. I know that I have a contract until ’28, so I guess that’s just enough.”

    The situation surrounding Horner and Marko continues to cast a shadow over the team, while apparently, the longtime civil war between the two has come to an end. On the other hand, Verstappen remains steadfast in his focus on his driving responsibilities with Red Bull and no one else.

    Would Max Verstappen leave Red Bull after tasting glory?

    Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has added fuel to the fire surrounding Red Bull, suggesting that Christian Horner should consider stepping down amid the looming specter of losing their star driver to Mercedes. Herbert voiced his concern that Red Bull’s handling of the situation could potentially alienate Verstappen from the team.

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    Herbert emphasized the strategic error it would be for Red Bull to jeopardize their partnership with Verstappen, highlighting the immense value he brings to the team. “They’re very close to pushing [Max Verstappen] out of the team. I’ve heard they are getting quite close to the deal with Mercedes. It seems like a stupid thing to do. Their biggest asset is not the Christian Horner show.”

    While Max Verstappen’s words of loyalty may suggest a willingness to stay with his team, the dynamics of F1 are ever-changing. The recent past has shown that even the most definitive acts of allegiance can be subject to revision. Will Verstappen adhere to his current stance, or will Mercedes’ allure prove irresistible enough to pull what Lewis Hamilton did?

    As the saga unfolds, the future of Max Verstappen still hangs in the balance, with Red Bull facing the critical task of preserving their invaluable partnership amidst mounting pressure and external interest from rival teams.

  • Oscar Piastri Wants to Poach Lewis Hamilton’s Superstar Brad Pitt to Play Him in a Hollywood Blockbuster

    Oscar Piastri Wants to Poach Lewis Hamilton’s Superstar Brad Pitt to Play Him in a Hollywood Blockbuster

    Oscar Piastri Wants to Poach Lewis Hamilton’s Superstar Brad Pitt to Play Him in a Hollywood Blockbuster
    Credits: IMAGO / Motorsport Images, IMAGO HochZwei

    Oscar Piastri recently revealed that he would choose Hollywood actor Brad Pitt to play him if a biopic were ever made of him. The 60-year-old actor is set to play a crucial role in Lewis Hamilton’s upcoming F1 movie. Thanks to his role in the film, Pitt probably better understands the F1 world. This is perhaps why Piastri told Tom Clarkson in the most recent episode of Beyond the Grid that he would choose Pitt to play him.

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    I don’t know. It’s got to be Brad Pitt,” Piastri said with a laugh. Clarkson then mentioned Tom Cruise, to which Piastri replied, “Exactly. It will be one of the two.”

    F1 drivers usually find it difficult to find actors to play them because of the uniqueness of their sport. In most sports, athletes generally have well-developed muscles and find it easier to find actors to play with them.

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    However, when it comes to F1, the drivers usually have a lean body mass. Since Brad Pitt, too, has a lean physique, he is perhaps one of the few actors who can play an F1 driver.

    When will Lewis Hamilton’s film starring Brad Pitt resume shooting?

    Lewis Hamilton’s film starring Brad Pitt began shooting last year. They filmed several shots during actual Grand Prix weekends, including Silverstone. However, filming stopped abruptly shortly after due to a SAG strike in Hollywood. Since the strike is over, Hamilton’s film will resume shooting soon.

    According to veteran F1 photographer Kym Illman, the production team of the unnamed F1 film has decided upon several venues from this year’s schedule to film more shots. The venues include Hungaroring and Spa-Francorchamps. Meanwhile, Pitt and his film crew will also visit Japan, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi.

    Although Hamilton has chosen Pitt to act in his upcoming F1 film, he, interestingly, once snubbed the 60-year-old and chose Michael B. Jordan to play him. When asked about the same in an interview last year, Hamilton replied, “I feel Michael B. Jordan would be cool.”

    However, Hamilton did have a valid reason for not choosing Michael B. Jordan in his upcoming F1 film. In the same interview, the 39-year-old added, “He is much bigger and maybe wouldn’t fit in the car. So he might have to slim down. But I like his acting“.

  • Home town hero Oscar Piastri wears a $500,000 outfit as F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton make fashion statements at the Australian Grand Prix

    Home town hero Oscar Piastri wears a $500,000 outfit as F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton make fashion statements at the Australian Grand Prix

    Oscar Piastri arrived at Albert Park for the Australian Grand prix wearing the jersey of his favourite AFL club, Richmond – but an easy-to-miss part of his outfit is worth more than $500,000.

    The Melbourne-born 22-year-old was swamped by fans on Thursday with other stars including seven-time world champion Lewis HamiltonYuki Tsunoda and Zhou Guanyo making style statements as they entered the track.

    Eagle-eyed F1 fans will notice that Piastri was sporting a top-of-the range piece by boutique watchmaker Richard Mille as he signed autographs for his fans.

    The high-end Swiss manufacturer is one of the sponsors of Piastri’s McLaren team, and he was wearing the RM 67-02 Automatic Winding Extra Flat ‘Alexander Zverev‘ model as he entered the track.

    How is this outfit worth more than $500,000, you ask? The devil is in the detail on Oscar Piastri's wrist, with his Richard Mille timepiece worth a fortune

    How is this outfit worth more than $500,000, you ask? The devil is in the detail on Oscar Piastri’s wrist, with his Richard Mille timepiece worth a fortune

    The Melbourne-born McLaren star showed his love for AFL team Richmond as he arrived at the track where he will be hoping for a podium finish on Sunday

    The Melbourne-born McLaren star showed his love for AFL team Richmond as he arrived at the track where he will be hoping for a podium finish on Sunday

    The 22-year-old's watch (pictured) is incredibly light - and incredibly expensive

    The 22-year-old’s watch (pictured) is incredibly light – and incredibly expensive

    That watch was first seen on his wrist when he signed the paperwork for the FIA Super Licence – which all drivers need to compete in F1 – back in December 2022.

    Piastri’s piece is the lightest watch in the Richard Mille range, coming in at just 32 grams -but the rest of his outfit was nowhere near as exclusive as he sported his Tigers top, a simple white T-shirt, jeans and a McLaren cap.

    Hamilton is well known for making fashion statements when he arrives for races and his appearance in Melbourne was no different.

    The Mercedes star combined blue jeans with an eye-catching orange jacket from Balmain’s upcoming fall 2024 range, proving he’s ahead of the field.

    Seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton is known for turning heads with his bold fashion choices - and his arrival at Albert Park on Thursday was no different

    Seven-time world champ Lewis Hamilton is known for turning heads with his bold fashion choices – and his arrival at Albert Park on Thursday was no different

    Zhou Guanyu is pictured signing autographs in his $5,100 Christian Dior jacket

    Zhou Guanyu is pictured signing autographs in his $5,100 Christian Dior jacket

    Boring team clothing isn't the go for Daniel Ricciardo's teammate Yuki Tsunoda

    Boring team clothing isn’t the go for Daniel Ricciardo’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda

    Ferrari's Carlos Sainz donned the team's famous red and prancing horse as he looked fully recovered from the appendix operation that ruled him out of the Saudi Arabia GP

    Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz donned the team’s famous red and prancing horse as he looked fully recovered from the appendix operation that ruled him out of the Saudi Arabia GP

    All eyes will be on Red Bull boss Christian Horner (pictured arriving on Thursday) as his 'sexting' scandal keeps dominating the F1 headlines

    All eyes will be on Red Bull boss Christian Horner (pictured arriving on Thursday) as his ‘sexting’ scandal keeps dominating the F1 headlines

    Daniel Ricciardo’s RB teammate Yuki Tsunoda teamed a pastel pink jacket and pants with a multicoloured striped polo top and sneakers, while Stake F1 driver Zhou Guanyu stood out from his rivals in a Christian Dior varsity jacket worth $5,100 and a pair of striking red-rimmed sunglasses.

    Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was front and centre after getting a medical clearance to race following the appendix operation that kept him off the grid in Saudi Arabia.

    He and teammate were both dressed in team attire, as were Mercedes star George Russell and world champion Max Verstappen, while McLaren driver Lando Norris wore a simple black and white rugby top.

    But the man with the most eyes on him was Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, whose ongoing ‘sexting’ scandal is likely to be the biggest story of the weekend since Verstappen looks all but unbeatable on the track.

    His wife, Spice Girls star Geri, was nowhere to be seen as the 50-year-old made his way through the gates just days after the woman who accused him of inappropriate behaviour launched an appeal against the findings of the team’s internal investigation into the matter.

  • Red Bull boss Christian Horner FINALLY breaks cover at the Australian Grand Prix amid his ‘sexting’ scandal… but his wife Geri Halliwell is not expected to join him

    Red Bull boss Christian Horner FINALLY breaks cover at the Australian Grand Prix amid his ‘sexting’ scandal… but his wife Geri Halliwell is not expected to join him

    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has finally surfaced at Albert Park ahead of the upcoming Australian Grand Prix following a tumultuous few weeks for Red Bull Racing.

    An internal investigation was carried out prior to the 2024 season following a complaint made by a female employee at Red Bull, and Horner, who is married to former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, was cleared of any wrongdoing just a day before the first practice session at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

    However, what appeared to be intimate WhatsApp exchanges allegedly sent by Horner to the female colleague were then leaked to a number of key F1 figures and the media just 24 hours later, bringing his conduct back into the spotlight.

    Horner was pictured having a meeting with Max Verstappen and the driver's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, shortly arriving at the Albert Park track on Thursday

    Horner was pictured having a meeting with Max Verstappen and the driver’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, shortly arriving at the Albert Park track on Thursday

    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has finally been spotted at Albert Park after evading photographers when he arrived in Australia

    Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has finally been spotted at Albert Park after evading photographers when he arrived in Australia

    The 50-year-old managed to evade photographers when he arrived in Australia for the race, and it is not known whether his wife Geri will be in attendance for the Grand Prix on Sunday.

    Horner, 50, has continued to maintain his innocence and his Red Bull team have made a dominant start to the season by securing successive one-two finishes, but doubts have emerged over the future of their star driver Max Verstappen as a result of the scandal.

    Thai businessman Chalerm Yoovidhya owns 51 per cent of Red Bull and has reportedly sent a family member – dubbed the ‘Thai spy’ – to keep tabs on Horner and the wider company.

    The drama could potentially tear the Red Bull operation apart, with Horner on one side and Max and his father, Jos, and Red Bull chief Helmut Marko on the other.

    Jos Verstappen has called for Horner to be removed, while Max insisted that he would quit the team if Marko were to leave.

    Marko faced accusations of being the source of the leaked messages and admitted that he may not be at this weekend’s race in the event he faces disciplinary action. He has since insisted that he is not leaving the team.

    Horner has had a tumultuous few weeks after being accused of ¿inappropriate behaviour¿ by a Red Bull employee but looked relaxed in Melbourne on Thursday (pictured)

    Horner has had a tumultuous few weeks after being accused of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ by a Red Bull employee but looked relaxed in Melbourne on Thursday (pictured)

    The Red Bull boss was spotted chatting to former Haas boss Guenther Steiner in the paddock

    The Red Bull boss was spotted chatting to former Haas boss Guenther Steiner in the paddock

    Horner appeared relaxed as he walked through Albert Park on Thursday as it was rumoured that something of a truce has been agreed upon between the major parties at Red Bull ahead of the race this weekend.

    He was later seen having a meeting with reigning world champion Verstappen and the driver’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen.

    Horner’s ex-Spice Girl wife Geri Halliwell has continued to publicly support her husband, appearing at both the Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grand Prix events – but it is not known if she’ll travel to Melbourne.

    The team principal is not out of the woods just yet, as his accuser has launched an appeal against the findings of Red Bull’s investigation.

    She is reportedly unhappy that she was not shown the full sex-text dossier before the internal inquiry produced its verdict.

    Meanwhile, recent reports have suggested Horner’s highly rated right-hand man Adrian Newey is in advanced talks to join Ferrari.

    Horner's off-track drama remains the hottest topic of conversation in Formula 1 (pictured, the team boss entering the paddock at Albert Park on Thursday)

    Horner’s off-track drama remains the hottest topic of conversation in Formula 1 (pictured, the team boss entering the paddock at Albert Park on Thursday)

    An internal investigation cleared the beleaguered husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who made a very public display of support for him at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (pictured)

    An internal investigation cleared the beleaguered husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, who made a very public display of support for him at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (pictured)

    Reigning world champion Max Verstappen (pictured in Melbourne on Thursday) has won the opening two races of the new season

    Reigning world champion Max Verstappen (pictured in Melbourne on Thursday) has won the opening two races of the new season

    Chief technical officer Newey has played a vital role in designing Red Bull cars that have brought so much success over the years, including winning the last three world championships with Verstappen.

    He has been dubbed the ‘aero king’, helping the team become the dominant constructor on the track, with the current both driver and constructors championship leaders set to storm to yet another two world titles this year.

    According to BILD, Newey could be on his way out of the team, with Ferrari looking increasingly to lure the 65-year-old.

    Newy has in the past expressed his desire to work with Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari before he calls time on his career.

    The opportunity seems to have now presented itself, with Hamilton set to join Ferrari in 2025 and Prancing Horse chief Fred Vasseur now rebuilding the operation.

    Hamilton spoke about Newey prior to the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix.

    ‘I think my move has shown that anything’s possible and it’s going to be a really interesting next six months or so,’ he said.

    ‘In terms of Adrian, having worked within the team [Red Bull], I know obviously Adrian gets all the praise for everybody’s work.’

  • Max Verstappen refuses to rule out Mercedes move amid speculation F1 world champion will quit Red Bull over Christian Horner ‘sex texts’ scandal

    Max Verstappen refuses to rule out Mercedes move amid speculation F1 world champion will quit Red Bull over Christian Horner ‘sex texts’ scandal

    Max Verstappen hasn’t ruled out driving for Mercedes in the future after Toto Wolff admitted he’d ‘love’ to have the three-time world champion at his team.

    The Dutchman’s future at Red Bull has been thrown into doubt after the Christian Horner‘s ‘sex texts’ scandal rocked Formula One.

    Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari in 2025 leaves open a seat at Mercedes and after watching Verstappen win the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Wolff claimed ‘there is no team that wouldn’t do handstands to have him in the car.’

    Verstappen, 26, is contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season and responded to Wolff’s comments ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

    ‘It doesn’t have any impact on me on what I would do. It’s always nice to hear that,’ he said.

    World champion Max Verstappen (right) has not ruled out a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes following Christian Horner's (left) 'sex texts' scandal

    World champion Max Verstappen (right) has not ruled out a switch from Red Bull to Mercedes following Christian Horner’s (left) ‘sex texts’ scandal

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted he'd 'love' to sign Verstappen for his team

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted he’d ‘love’ to sign Verstappen for his team

    Verstappen and Wolff are pictured together at a Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi back in 2014

    Verstappen and Wolff are pictured together at a Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi back in 2014

    ‘Toto and I, we had our little moments but that’s normal between two teams battling for the championship. But the respect has always been there.

    ‘From my side, it doesn’t change anything.’

    Pushed on whether he would ever join Mercedes, Verstappen added: ‘I don’t know. I don’t know what happens after 2028. I don’t know if I’m going to stay in F1 or continue to sign a new deal. I don’t know that.’

    Mail Sport reported earlier this month that Max and his father Jos Verstappen are determined to move away from Horner, who remains in position after being cleared of ‘coercive behaviour’ towards a female employee.

    Horner also made clear at the Saudi race that ‘no individual is bigger than the team.’

    A well-placed source talked of the possibility of a domino effect starting with Verstappen going to Mercedes this season, Hamilton moving to Ferrari early in place of Carlos Sainz, and Fernando Alonso signing for Red Bull.

    However, for that to come to pass several huge contracts would need to be untied.

    There are break clauses in Verstappen’s Red Bull deal, including one that would be triggered if his mentor and the team’s adviser Helmut Marko left.

    Verstappen has had years of success with Red Bull but Mail Sport understands he and his father are determined to move away from Christian Horner

    Verstappen has had years of success with Red Bull but Mail Sport understands he and his father are determined to move away from Christian Horner

    Red Bull have been rocked by allegations of inappropriate behaviour and sexual messaging from team principal Christian Horner by a female employee

    Red Bull have been rocked by allegations of inappropriate behaviour and sexual messaging from team principal Christian Horner by a female employee

    Wolff said: ‘Let’s word it like this: It is a decision that Max needs to take and there is no team up and down the grid who wouldn’t do handstands to have him in their car.’

    In the meantime, Verstappen, who can equal his own record of 10 consecutive wins if he finishes top of the podium in Melbourne this weekend, also spoke of Red Bull as a ‘second family.’

    He said: ‘I’ve always felt comfortable [at Red Bull] because for me it’s like a second family.

    ‘In a family, there might sometimes be, how would you say, not disagreements, but in families you can’t choose family, you can choose friends.

    ‘But, no it’s good. For me, it’s been the same. We just focus on the performance.

    ‘I would like the chat to be a bit more about the great car we have but hopefully that will come slowly.’

  • Sergio Perez addresses Max Verstappen Red Bull exit rumours as Formula One star insists the world champions are ‘working really well together’ despite Christian Horner ‘sex texts’ scandal

    Sergio Perez addresses Max Verstappen Red Bull exit rumours as Formula One star insists the world champions are ‘working really well together’ despite Christian Horner ‘sex texts’ scandal

    Sergio Perez has been quizzed on Max Verstappen‘s future after the reigning world champion cast doubt as to whether he will stay at Red Bull Racing.

    Verstappen, 26, was at the centre of the explosive row at the all-conquering Formula One constructors, with Christian Horner‘s alleged ‘sex texts’ scandal threatening to tear the team apart.

    The Dutchman’s father, Jos, publicly called for Horner to quit while racig director Helmut Marko has also reportedly sided with the Verstappen’s.

    In Saudi Arabia, Verstappen said he would leave Red Bull if Marko is forced to leave the team, leading to speculation that the three-time world champion could join Mercedes.

    Yet despite the tensions away from the track, Red Bull have started the campaign as if everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet, with Verstappen winning the first two races of the season.

    Sergio Perez has addressed speculation surrounding Max Verstappen's future

    Sergio Perez has addressed speculation surrounding Max Verstappen’s future

    Verstappen could leave Red Bull, in what would Perez admitted would be a 'blow'

    Verstappen could leave Red Bull, in what would Perez admitted would be a ‘blow’

    Perez has finished second in both races, in a strong response to his poor 2023, and the Mexican insists spirits are good at the Milton Keynes-based firm.

    ‘I think the team is in a very strong position because, I mean, with the results we’re currently having, the harmony that there is in the team, I think to achieve that it just takes a lot of years probably,’ he said in the FIA press conference.

    ‘And right now the dynamics, everyone in the team is working really well together. The whole engineering group is really united. You can see that on track and how efficient we’ve been in the last year.

    Perez admitted it would be a ‘blow’ to see Verstappen walk away.

    ‘So I think I don’t see any reason to change it. And it will be a blow for the team if Max were to leave.’

    The Dutchman has been embroiled in the Christian Horner row erupting inside the team

    The Dutchman has been embroiled in the Christian Horner row erupting inside the team

    It has also been reported that Verstappen’s contract contains a clause which states that he is free to leave the team if Marko leaves his position. Perez confirmed his deal does not contain a similar clause.

    ‘I don’t have that clause,’ he said. ‘I don’t know what clause Max has in his contract. I think it’s best you ask him. I think Max, as far as I know, has a contract with the team and is fully committed with the team.

    ‘The rest, I think it’s not for me to comment. It’s nothing to do with me. I’m focusing on my decisions, on what I have to do. And I think for us to be talking about other drivers when we don’t know any facts, I don’t see any point to do so.’