Cover Photo: Verstappen Celebrating Win at The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Photo Credit Sir Daniel David (@SirDanJets)
By The TENS Magazine Editorial Staff
Formula 1’s latest ownership rumor has an irresistible premise: Max Verstappen, the defining driver of Red Bull’s modern era, could eventually become the owner—or at least a controlling shareholder—of Racing Bulls.
The idea surfaced during speculation about Red Bull’s efforts to secure Verstappen beyond the uncertainty created by performance clauses in his contract. German newspaper BILD reported high-level retention talks involving Verstappen, his management, and Red Bull’s ownership. Paddock journalist Joe Saward subsequently described “creative stories” suggesting that a stake in the company’s second Formula 1 team might form part of a wider package.
Nothing publicly available confirms that Verstappen has agreed to buy Racing Bulls, that Red Bull has formally offered him control, or that a transaction is being negotiated. For now, this is a rumor with an identifiable origin—not an ownership announcement.
Why the idea makes strategic sense
Verstappen already operates racing interests beyond Formula 1 through Verstappen.com Racing and Team Redline. He has spoken repeatedly about endurance racing and building opportunities for drivers outside the conventional Formula 1 ladder. Ownership in Racing Bulls could give that long-term ambition an extraordinary platform while tying his commercial future more closely to Red Bull.
Red Bull would also gain a powerful retention tool. Money alone may not outweigh Verstappen’s desire for a competitive car, but equity could offer influence, long-term value, and a role beyond his driving career. Racing Bulls is especially symbolic: Verstappen drove for the operation when it was Toro Rosso before his promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2016.
Why a deal would be complicated
The practical obstacles are substantial. Racing Bulls is not simply an asset waiting for a celebrity buyer. It is part of Red Bull’s driver-development system, technical structure, sponsor portfolio, and broader Formula 1 strategy. RacingNews365 reported that Red Bull management considers the team unavailable for sale despite outside interest.
Any Verstappen ownership arrangement would also attract intense regulatory attention. Formula 1 already faces recurring debate over Red Bull controlling two entrants. Giving an active Red Bull Racing driver a meaningful stake in the sister team would raise questions about competitive independence, governance, confidential information, and conflicts of interest. Approval would likely require a carefully limited structure rather than a straightforward transfer of control.
A compelling future, not a current fact
The rumor works because it connects credible pieces: Red Bull wants to retain Verstappen, Racing Bulls has enormous strategic value, and Verstappen has ambitions beyond driving. Yet those pieces do not prove a deal exists.
The most realistic interpretation is that ownership may have been discussed as one imaginative option in a much broader negotiation. Until Red Bull, Verstappen, or Racing Bulls confirms terms, the prospect belongs in the paddock’s increasingly valuable category of informed speculation.
Reporting basis: BILD reporting on Red Bull’s Verstappen retention talks; Joe Saward’s paddock reporting; RacingNews365 reporting that Racing Bulls is not for sale; official Formula 1 and Red Bull team information.
