Max Verstappen is an AlphaTauri model now

It turns out Max Verstappen does not eat, sleep, and shower exclusively in his Red Bull team kit. The four-time world champion and polo shirt connoisseur is now the global ambassador of clothing label AlphaTauri.

The fashion brand was founded in 2016 as an extension of the Red Bull empire, and later became the title sponsor of the energy drink conglomerate’s junior F1 team. Although he’s famously avoided making the kinds of stand-out sartorial choices that fellow drivers pull on for the paddock, Verstappen might be the perfect face for the brand because he actually wears the clothes. In fact, it’s just about the only thing he dons when he isn’t in his navy blue team kit. 

In a press release announcing the partnership, Verstappen mentions how much it dovetails with his utilitarian approach to clothes. “[AlphaTauri's] commitment to combining style with functionality fits perfectly with my lifestyle, both on and off the track," he's quoted as saying. “Honestly, I use it everywhere I go.”

Max Verstappen poses in AlphaTauri

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen fans seeing his Instagram announcement echoed a similar sentiment. “Even when Max doesn't wear team kit, it's still technically made by Red Bull,” one commenter wrote. Another chimed in, “I didn't realize it was max, where's the redbull shirt.” Even Lando Norris jumped in the comments section, writing, “no way????” — presumably caught off guard by the 27-year-old Dutchman wearing a sport coat.

It's doubtful the ambassadorship leads to a big change in Verstappen's style — the reigning driver's champion accepted a prize at the recent Autosport Awards while rocking an AlphaTauri tee, and the brand doesn't make a single sleeveless version.

Fans were shocked to see Verstappen rocking something other than his team kit

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen's new gig with AlphaTauri came with a few words on his upcoming season, too. Per the press release, he waxed enthusiastically about winning his fourth title, calling it a "dream" — then went on to share some hopes for the 2025 season:

“I’m excited to be working with a new teammate, Liam. I think the whole team is excited and looking ahead to this season. Last year has been challenging at times. Of course we had a lot of good moments, also some tough moments, and I hope we can be a little more stable and a little more all-around throughout the 2025 season."