Max Verstappen involved in huge legal setback as he looks to copy Lewis Hamilton

Max Verstappen’s proposed clothing line has reportedly been blocked by Nike over intellectual property concerns.

The Red Bull driver had hoped to follow in fellow Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton in launching his own clothing line.

Verstappen is believed to want to name his brand ‘Max 1’. However, Nike have now challenged the 25-year-old at the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property over their own ‘Air Max’ line.

According to Dutch news outlet De Limburger, officials were in agreement that “There is a certain visual and phonetic similarity between the signs.

“Both signs contain the word MAX, albeit in a different place. In the trademarks invoked, the elements AIR and MAX have equal weight in the overall impression.”

The report continued: “In contested sign, the emphasis is on the word MAX. The number 1 will be regarded as a specification to MAX. To that extent, the signs agree. The goods in question are partly identical and partly similar. Visually and aurally, there is a certain degree of similarity between the signs.”

SPORTbible has contacted Nike for comment.

Verstappen has previously hinted at life without F1.

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The Dutchman said: “F1 is amazing and I’ve achieved a lot, and I’m very happy and proud about it… but it’s a lot of travelling and it’s a lot of races.

“And at one point, what is more important? Is family more important, or is F1 more important? That’s when you need to make your mind up.”

He has also claimed that his decision will be hinged on how competitive Red Bull are by 2028.

Verstappen will be looking to bag his third world title this season as his Red Bull car remains the fastest by far on the grid. The reigning champion currently has a one-point lead at the top of the standings over his teammate Sergio Perez.

The F1 will return this weekend with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.