Report: Mercedes could pay Max Verstappen £128m to replace Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes are ready to go to great lengths, planning to "break the bank" with a staggering offer to lure the Dutchman away from Red Bull, as reported by The Sun.

The appointment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new Manchester United chief and Ineos chairman, is expected to play a pivotal role in the quest to find Hamilton's successor. 

Hamilton's surprising decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari in 2025 has prompted Mercedes to take decisive action in securing Verstappen.

Verstappen's current contract is worth over £40 million annually, set to run until the end of 2028. 

However, any potential move would likely involve Mercedes paying a substantial compensation fee to Red Bull, as indicated by The Sun's report.

Toto Wolff, the team principal, has expressed Mercedes' desire to bring the reigning world champion on board.

Reports suggest that Wolff, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius, and Ratcliffe are planning a meeting with Verstappen and his management following the Miami Grand Prix this weekend to explore the possibility of a transfer.

Wolff, however, has denied the claims, telling Reuters: "No, that's one of the rumours. 

"People make up meetings, make up what's happening with the drivers but these things should be behind closed doors and everything that's been out there was not really the right thing."