In an unexpected turn of events that has shaken both the tech and sports worlds, Apple CEO Tim Cook has made a stunning $24 million offer to Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen. The deal? Verstappen would become the face of Apple’s upcoming marketing campaign, focusing on the revolutionary new features of the next-generation iPhone and other product lines.

According to multiple sources close to the negotiations, Verstappen was reportedly asked to feature prominently in a global campaign, including commercials, social media presence, and live events. Apple’s intention was to connect its new iPhone models, featuring groundbreaking AI integrations and augmented reality features, with the speed, precision, and dominance that Verstappen embodies.

But Verstappen’s response? One short but devastating sentence: “I don’t drive for money, I drive for victories.”

The three-time world champion’s response caused an explosion of reactions on social media. Within hours, the quote was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with fans worldwide praising his dedication to the sport. Some called it “the most respectful rejection ever”, while others questioned whether he would ever consider a commercial partnership with a tech giant like Apple in the future.

Insiders suggest that Tim Cook was personally involved in the approach, convinced that Verstappen—who has millions of fans worldwide—would be the perfect face to represent the power and elegance of Apple’s products. The $24 million fee would have made Verstappen one of Apple’s highest-paid sports ambassadors, similar to the company’s previous partnerships with stars like LeBron James and Taylor Swift.

Although the offer was declined, the incident has opened the door to a broader debate about the commercialization of sport and the role of athletes in global brand campaigns. Some admire Verstappen for his “old school” mentality, others believe he’s missing a unique opportunity to further develop his image beyond the racetrack.

Apple has not yet officially responded to the rejection, but sources within the company indicate they are “deeply disappointed.” Meanwhile, Verstappen is fully focused on the second half of the F1 season, where he is once again the favorite for the championship.

One thing is certain: with just one sentence, Max Verstappen has once again proven that he is not only a ruthless driver, but also a man of principles.