Jos Verstappen rejects Ralf Schumacher's claim of a failed Mercedes offer to Max Verstappen

Jos Verstappen, father and mentor of three‑time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen, sharply rebuked former driver Ralf Schumacher after the latter said on the Backstage Boxengasse podcast that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had made a private offer to the Dutch driver. Schumacher suggested the deal was financially unattractive and never a real option. Jos Verstappen called the remarks "misinformation" and insisted Max has no such Mercedes proposal. He emphasized Max’s focus on winning races and his existing contract with Red Bull, which runs until the end of 2028. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also dismissed the speculation, confirming Max’s commitment to the team.