Four-time world champion Max Verstappen could soon find himself aligned with one of Formula 1’s most high-profile commercial players, despite ongoing speculation about his long-term future in the sport.
According to reports emerging from Germany, global sportswear giant Adidas is poised to secure a lucrative partnership with Red Bull Racing beginning in 2027. The agreement, believed to be worth around £23 million, would see adidas become the team’s official apparel supplier—an intriguing development given the brand’s existing relationship with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
The news arrives at a delicate moment for Verstappen. The Dutch driver has endured a frustrating start to the 2026 campaign under Formula 1’s sweeping new chassis and power unit regulations. While Mercedes have emerged as early pacesetters in the new era, Red Bull have struggled to extract performance from what insiders suggest is an overweight and difficult-to-balance car.
Verstappen’s eighth-place finish at the recent Japanese Grand Prix only intensified scrutiny. Speaking candidly after the race, he admitted he was “seriously considering” stepping away from Formula 1 at the end of the season. He has previously described the experience of driving the 2026 Red Bull challenger as “emotionally draining,” raising genuine concerns about his motivation to continue competing if performance deficits persist.
However, the prospect of a major commercial partnership could provide a timely morale boost—not just for the team, but also for its star driver. Adidas entered the Formula 1 merchandise market in 2025 through a high-profile collaboration with Mercedes, launching performance-focused team wear and lifestyle collections that quickly gained traction among fans. The brand also supplies Audi’s F1 apparel programme, establishing itself as a dominant force in the paddock’s commercial landscape.
Should the Red Bull agreement materialise, adidas would effectively partner with three major F1 entities simultaneously—Mercedes, Audi, and Red Bull—highlighting the brand’s growing influence in the sport. For Verstappen, this crossover dynamic presents a fascinating subplot: competing fiercely against Mercedes on track while being commercially linked to one of their key partners.
While no official confirmation has yet been issued, the reported deal signals Red Bull’s intent to strengthen its off-track portfolio as it navigates a competitive reset on track. Whether the partnership will be enough to reignite Verstappen’s enthusiasm remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds an intriguing layer to the evolving 2026 narrative.
For now, Verstappen’s immediate focus remains on performance—but the commercial chessboard of Formula 1 is already shifting around him.