A shocking revelation has come to light in the world of Formula 1, involving multi-million-pound losses and a grave error that could have changed the course of history for F1 champion Max Verstappen.
A recent disclosure by Dutch businessman Michel Perridon has unveiled a costly mistake surrounding Max Verstappen’s career, resulting in a significant financial loss running into millions of euros. Despite being a four-time world champion and one of the highest-paid athletes globally, Verstappen’s success was almost overshadowed by a missed investment opportunity that could have reaped enormous profits.
Perridon, who had previously supported Max Verstappen’s father, Jos, financially during his racing career, revealed on the Dutch Dragons podcast that he had the chance to invest early in Max’s career. However, a fateful decision led Perridon to decline a deal proposed by Max’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, which would have granted him 10% of Verstappen’s career earnings in exchange for €5 million.
The magnitude of the missed opportunity became glaringly evident when considering that Verstappen earned nearly £60 million in 2024 alone, primarily from his Red Bull contract. Perridon’s decision not only cost him potential earnings of around €7 million (£6 million) from just one year of Verstappen’s income but also deprived him of a share in the champion’s lucrative career trajectory, marked by four consecutive world championship titles and 64 grand prix victories.
In a candid moment on the podcast, Perridon lamented his error, recalling the pivotal moment when he turned down the investment offer that could have secured his financial future. “A small mistake, you get it wrong sometimes, too, huh!” Perridon ruefully admitted, acknowledging the magnitude of his loss and the misstep that could have altered his financial standing significantly.
The revelation of this costly blunder adds a new dimension to Max Verstappen’s illustrious career, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes intricacies and missed opportunities that could have rewritten the financial narrative for those involved. As Verstappen continues to dominate the F1 circuit and attract lucrative deals, Perridon’s revelation serves as a cautionary tale of the high stakes and potential gains in the world of professional racing.
Amidst the rumblings in the F1 world, with speculations of Verstappen’s future and potential transfers, Perridon’s revelation stands out as a stark reminder of the fine line between success and missed opportunities in the cutthroat realm of Formula 1.