Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Josh Lawless
Max Verstappen has a "dangerous" clause in his lucrative Red Bull contract but it appears it didn't stop him from breaching it.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 and is said to including whopping $65 million per year salary - making him the highest-paid Formula One driver on the grid.
However, as part of that contract, the Dutchman has a set of rules which he has to follow - though he appeared to go against one last year.
Speaking in January 2024, the four-time world champion revealed that he has refrained from skiing due to the high injury risk involved.
Advert
While skiing is a popular activity in the winter break, Verstappen embarked on a lengthy break from the snow.
"I haven’t skied for five years because of the risk of breaking or twisting something with all its consequences,” Verstappen told Formule1.nl.
“And of course also in the knowledge that there are still years to come in which I have a great chance to become champion again and win races.
Advert
“When you think about that, you automatically do take a little less risk.”
Footballers often have a clause whereby they cannot participate in dangerous activity and Verstappen confirmed it is also the case for him, adding: “Me too. No dangerous sports.”
However, according to Red Bull's consultant Helmut Marko, Verstappen breached the terms of his deal just months later in between the Australian Grand Prix and the Japanese Grand Prix in 2024.
Against orders from his team, the 28-year-old was on the slopes. Marko mentioned Verstappen's DNF in Melbourne and then proceeded to add, "In the meantime, Max was skiing in Japan in the most wonderful, best deep snow in the world."
Advert
Asked if Vertstapppen ought to be skiing, he replied: "I've already told you too much...".
Ironically, Marko was previously hesitant on allowing Verstappen to compete at the Red Bull Formula Nurburgring event in September 2023 as he knew that the driver would "try and go to the limits".
Advert
But fast forward to the present day and Verstappen has been given the green light to compete in the 24 hours of Nurburgring.
Verstappen passed the necessary checks to obtain his grade A licence, which gives him access to the legendary endurance race.
Marko confirmed Verstappen had got the go-ahead, telling Sport.de: "I think it's great that a Formula 1 driver, who has a lot of obligations in addition to the races - simulator, marketing and PR appointments - then takes the time for something like this with huge enthusiasm."
He said Verstappen will be "prepared to fight for the overall victory" but will not be allowed to race in the 24 hours of Le Mans because of the "greater" risks.