Max Verstappen has made a really big name for himself in and through Formula 1. Over the years, he has represented some of the biggest brands on the planet, raking millions of dollars into his pocket. Some of the prominent names under his belt have been Red Bull, Dutch supermarket Jumbo, CarNext.com, EA Sports, Ziggo, and G-Star RAW. 

But now, adding to his list of Dutch endorsements, he has added one of the biggest names from the world of alcohol. The brand has a rich history, having been first introduced in 1864, and stands at a valuation of more than $9 billion, as per the Forbes list of the most valuable brands of 2020. Its name is Heineken. Heineken has brought on Max and Red Bull for their 0.0 beer, which boasts zero alcohol and is said to be a part of their campaign to promote road safety.

Heineken has been associated with several sports over the years. In Formula 1, it also sponsored the 2022 Australian GP, was featured on a plethora of billboards, and most importantly, is ready to be the title sponsor of the returning Las Vegas GP. But despite adding such an important name to his portfolio, Max Verstappen’s fans seem to be on the fence, considering the fact that Max is one of the fastest drivers on the planet. Despite the messaging of the brand and their safety campaign, it hasn’t convinced plenty of fans.

Max Verstappen’s fans aren’t too happy

We all enjoy watching videos of a drunk and partying Max Verstappen. But the reaction to the deal was mixed, but people largely warned the Dutch driver about not drinking and driving. Many people also called out that while smoking sponsors are looked down upon, alcoholic brands, through their alcohol-free beverages, have kept their place in the sport.

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One of the fans under Max’s Instagram post registered their protest while congratulating Max on the long-term deal, saying, “Kinda weird that a driver is signing deals with an alcohol company But still congrats.” While another fan commented, “They banned partnerships with cigarettes but with alcohol it’s better.”

Expressing their concern, other fans said, “On next episode of the drink to survive..”, Don’t drink and drive pls Max”, “Don’t drink and drive bruz”, while the other one called out, “Making drinking and driving cool again 😎”.

A fan was stern in expressing their thought: “What’s with all this alcohol free shit. If you don’t want people drink driving or drinking lots of alcohol, don’t use a 24 year old Dutch 2 time world champion racer as your marketing campaign 😂😂.”

There were few fans who were wondering at the prospect of this partnership, “The partnership we didn’t know we needed.” Another fan even condemned the partnership and said, “You’ve sold your soul to the devil.” But this tweet summed up the bucket load of reactions that the fans had over this signing, which read, “Ok I am a Max fan but It’s kinda Ironic to have a alcohol company sponsoring car racing.“

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A few of the fans loved the deal as the Dutch names came together for the first time. What do you think about alcoholic beverage companies sponsoring Formula One? Is it justified and any better than smoking brands? Let us know in the comments below.