- Leaked commercial shoot photographs show Max Verstappen dressed in unreleased Red Bull Racing team kit featuring prominent Adidas branding and the iconic three stripes.
- The imagery also shows a prominent white Adidas logo displayed directly on the side of the Red Bull RB22, replacing current apparel supplier Castore.
- The leaked production appearance aligns with reports of a massive contract negotiation reportedly worth roughly €27 million per year for at least three seasons, potentially beginning in the 2027 Formula 1 season.
Leaked Commercial Set Images Reveal Adidas Branding on Max Verstappen and RB22
An inadvertent leak from a commercial production shoot has escalated speculation surrounding the commercial partnerships in the Formula 1 paddock. Photographs circulating across social media platforms depict Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen on set, resting against the front left wheel of an RB22 challenger. Rather than donning the team’s existing teamwear, the Dutch world champion was seen wearing what appears to be an unreleased team kit distinctly featuring the Adidas trademark.
The visual evidence highlights the German sportswear manufacturer’s iconic trefoil/badge and classic three-stripe design across the right side of Max Verstappen’s chest and along the shoulders. This branding visibly displaces the branding of the team’s current technical apparel provider, Castore. The overhaul extends beyond driver apparel: closer inspection of the leaked production images shows a distinct white Adidas logo stamped onto the bodywork of the Red Bull RB22 chassis, signaling a comprehensive branding package on both the car and driver kit.
The Reported €27 Million Annual Red Bull Partnership
The circulating images align with persistent paddock rumors regarding a high-stakes partnership between the Milton Keynes-based racing team and the German athletic giant. Reports earlier this year from German publication BILD indicated that Red Bull and Adidas entered discussions regarding a primary merchandise, apparel, and teamwear contract aimed at taking effect for the 2027 Formula 1 season.
The financial scale of the prospective alliance is considerable. The agreement is reportedly valued at approximately €27 million per season, binding Red Bull Racing to the sportswear brand for a minimum duration of three years. Despite the visual evidence showing Max Verstappen fully outfitted in the co-branded gear on set, neither Red Bull Racing management nor Adidas representatives have released an official announcement or formal confirmation of the arrangement. As of now, Castore remains the team’s official apparel and merchandise supplier.
Why This Matters: Adidas’s Expanding Footprint on the Formula 1 Grid
Securing the merchandise and official apparel rights for Red Bull Racing would mark an aggressive escalation in Adidas’s broader commercial strategy across elite motorsport. Formula 1’s expanding global demographic and lifestyle appeal have turned paddock apparel into a major revenue stream and marketing platform for international athletic brands.
Should the deal materialize, Red Bull would join a rapidly solidifying motorsport roster for Adidas, which has pursued affiliations across the grid with high-profile entities including Mercedes and Audi. Replacing Castore with a traditional sportswear heavyweight would deliver another major commercial shift for the Austrian-backed squad, solidifying significant funding as Formula 1 continues to attract global consumer brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the leaked photos of Max Verstappen show?
The social media images show Max Verstappen standing with an RB22 during a commercial shoot, wearing unreleased Red Bull apparel featuring the Adidas logo and three-stripe styling instead of Castore branding, with the Adidas logo also visible on the racing car.
How much is the rumored Red Bull and Adidas deal worth?
According to reports, the proposed partnership is valued at approximately €27 million per year, potentially running for a minimum term of three seasons starting in 2027.
Has Red Bull Racing officially replaced Castore with Adidas?
No formal announcement has been made. While Max Verstappen was seen wearing the branded kit in leaked imagery, Castore remains Red Bull Racing’s official apparel partner until any official confirmation or contract commencement occurs.
