--- title: "Nike Blocks F1 Champ Max Verstappen’s ‘Max 1’ Clothing Brand" date: "2023-03-27" modified: "2023-03-27" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nike-blocks-f1-champ-max-verstappens-max-1-clothing-brand" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Nike Blocks F1 Champ Max Verstappen’s ‘Max 1’ Clothing Brand ![]() *\Getty\* Red Bull [Formula 1]() driver Max Verstappen is finding [little opposition on the F1 grid]() nowadays, but unfortunately for the young champ, that hasn't carried over into his business ventures. According to a report from Dutch news outlet *[De Limburger]()*, shoe giant Nike has put the kibosh on Verstappen's Max 1 clothing line. Nike's argument is that Max 1 is too similar to its longtime "Air Max" shoe line, including other "Max Force 1" products and other variations that include similar keywords. Verstappen had named his line of products after himself and his current racing number but encountered legal trouble soon after launch. The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property—essentially The Netherlands' trademark office—issued a [report]() that Verstappen's Max 1 brand carried a "likelihood of confusion" and posed a risk of consumers believing Max 1 products were associated with Nike. Nike went as far as claiming that some designs in the Max 1 catalog were too similar to the apparel giant's, while also alleging that the word MAX was prominently used and likened to Nike apparel. For these reasons, Verstappen was reportedly fined approximately $1,100 according to *[Express]()*. Perhaps Verstappen could rename his brand ["If You're Not First You're Last."]() Then again, Columbia Pictures might come knockin'. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()