In what could go down as one of the most shocking career pivots in sports history, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has reportedly signed a multi-million dollar deal to make an unprecedented switch from professional cycling to Formula 1 racing.
Sources close to van der Poel confirmed to Dutch media late Sunday night that the 29-year-old has been in secret negotiations for months with an undisclosed F1 team, with a deal now finalized that will see him begin intensive driving training this summer and debut as early as the 2026 season. The report has sent shockwaves through both the cycling and motorsports communities.
“This is real. Mathieu has always pushed boundaries, and this is just the next chapter in that journey,” said a representative from van der Poel’s management team. “He’s looking for a new challenge, and F1 offers the speed, thrill, and elite competition that excite him.”
Van der Poel, best known for his dominance in classics like the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and his world titles in cyclocross and road racing, has built a legacy as one of the most versatile and explosive cyclists of his generation. However, fans had little reason to expect he’d shift gears—literally—into the world of motorsports.
Though he has never publicly expressed an interest in Formula 1, insiders say van der Poel has been quietly training in high-performance simulators since late 2023. He has also reportedly participated in private track sessions across Europe under a pseudonym.
“He’s already incredibly fast behind the wheel,” said a former F2 engineer who witnessed van der Poel’s secret test session in Italy. “He has the reflexes, focus, and competitive fire needed to succeed. People might be skeptical, but don’t be surprised if he makes it work.”
The cycling world, meanwhile, is still trying to process the bombshell news. Van der Poel was expected to continue dominating the cobbled classics and mount another world championship bid this fall. His sudden departure leaves a vacuum in men’s professional cycling, especially as rivals like Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar now face a future without their most electric adversary.
“This is surreal,” said Belgian cycling journalist Lars Vandeputte. “He was on track to be one of the greatest of all time. And now he’s swapping pedals for gas pedals? Unbelievable.”
The F1 team believed to be courting van der Poel has not yet been officially identified, though rumors suggest it could be a midfield European team looking to boost global media exposure. Sponsorship deals are already in the works, with multiple Dutch brands reportedly prepared to follow van der Poel into the paddock.
“From a marketing perspective, this is gold,” said Formula 1 analyst Emma Lawrence. “You’ve got one of Europe’s biggest sports figures making a crossover into the most high-profile motorsport on the planet. The story writes itself.”
In the Netherlands, fans are divided. While some see it as a betrayal of his cycling legacy, others are excited to see one of their favorite athletes take on a bold new adventure.
“I was shocked at first, but if anyone can do this, it’s Mathieu,” said fan Tom Jansen, wearing a Netherlands national team jersey. “He’s always been fearless, and this is just another race—just with a faster vehicle.”
Van der Poel has yet to comment publicly on the reports, but a cryptic tweet posted Monday morning added fuel to the fire. It featured a single emoji: a steering wheel — no caption, no explanation.
Some insiders believe this could be part of a larger trend of athletes seeking to expand their personal brands beyond a single discipline. With Formula 1’s surging global popularity thanks to the “Drive to Survive” Netflix series and increased international attention, it makes sense that high-profile athletes would be drawn to its glamour and challenge.
Still, van der Poel’s switch is unprecedented. While there have been athletes who dabbled in cross-sport transitions — like Michael Jordan’s brief baseball stint or Valentino Rossi’s flirtation with rally driving — none have done so at the peak of their sport while holding world champion status.
For now, all eyes are on van der Poel’s next move. Will he actually make it onto the F1 grid? Or is this an elaborate stunt, a side project, or perhaps a media misdirection?
Either way, one thing is certain: Mathieu van der Poel has once again proven he is anything but predictable. Whether flying over cobblestones or roaring down a racetrack, he’s determined to do things his own way — fast, bold, and without fear.
