The 2025 Formula 1 season is already rich in controversies and twists and turns, but a recent news has shaken the paddock as few others had done before. According to sources close to sport, Tim Cook, the famous Apple CEO and one of the most influential personalities in the business world, made an astronomical offer to the quadruple world champion Max Verstapun. This proposal, which includes $ 200 million and sponsorship for the 2025 season, was accompanied by a daring condition: Verstappen should publicly commit to the LGBTQ+ community throughout his life. The Dutch pilot’s response was however so shocking that it has silenced the F1 community, triggering bright debates among fans, teams and journalists.
Cook’s offer, revealed for the first time in an exclusive Motorsport Insider report, took everyone short. Tim Cook, who came out in 2014, is known for his activism in favor of LGBTQ+rights, promoting inclusion initiatives via Apple. His proposal in Verstappen, one of the biggest names in Formula 1, seems to be an attempt to unite sport with a major social cause. Financial assembly, which includes not only the sum of a million dollars, but also a leading sponsorship for the 2025 season, would be enough to finance Verstappen’s career for years, especially at a time when Red Bull faces technical challenges with the RB21 and rumors on the future of the pilot.
Formula 1, a world sport, has become more and more a platform for social issues. In recent years, pilots like Lewis Hamilton have used their platform to defend causes such as diversity and racial equality. Cook’s offer therefore seems to be part of this trend, but the choice of Verstappen as a target of the proposal aroused questions. The Dutchman, known for his outspokenness and his almost exclusive orientation towards the track, has never really got involved in social issues, preferring to let his pilot speak. This characteristic made its response all the more awaited.
At a press conference preceding the Japan Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked about this alleged offer. With his usual franchise, he replied: “I run to win, not to defend a cause. I focus on the track, and it won’t change. This brief and direct statement has had a bomb in the paddock. For some, the answer was perceived as a respectful but firm refusal to engage in anything outside of its comfort zone. For others, on the other hand, the sentence was interpreted as a rejection of the LGBT cause, aroused criticism on social networks and heated debates on the specialized forums.
The reaction of the F1 community was immediate. If some fans have congratulated Verstappen for its neutrality, others accused him of insensitivity. Lewis Hamilton, former Rival of Verstappen, defended the Dutch by declaring: “Each pilot has the right to choose how to express themselves. Max is honest, and that’s something I respect. Lando Norris, from McLaren, adopted a more critical tone, suggesting that “times have changed and that we all have a greater responsibility than that of piloting. »»
Cook’s proposal has also raised questions about the role of sponsors in Formula 1. This sport already generates billions of dollars in commercial contracts, with the arrival of brands like Kit Kat, Louis Vuitton and McDonald’s by 2025. A sponsorship of Apple, one of the most valued companies in the world, could transform the F1 financial landscape, but it would also have a political weight considerable. The Red Bull Red Bull stable has not yet made any comments, but internal sources suggest that it is reluctant to accept any agreement likely to divert attention from its star pilot.
Meanwhile, the 2025 season continues, with Verstappen faced with challenges on track. After a difficult start to the season, the RB21 suffering from performance problems, the Dutchman won an impressive victory in Japan, consolidating his favorite position for a fifth title. However, Cook’s offer and its response continue to make waves, dividing opinion and placing Verstappen at the heart of a debate that transcends motorsport. Over the season, all eyes will be turned to the Dutchman, both for his performances and for his attitude outside the track.
