The 2025 Formula 1 season is heating up with key developments, and Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull Racing (RBR) is a focal point. The four-time world champion, currently third in the Drivers’ Championship, is on the verge of nullifying a contractual clause that could allow him to leave the Austrian team. According to a report published on Thursday, May 29, by the specialized website Autosport, Verstappen needs only to maintain his position among the top four drivers by the end of June to secure his stay with RBR until 2028, when his contract expires. The decision could be finalized as early as this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit. The clause, tied to the Dutchman’s championship performance, has sparked speculation about potential moves to teams like Aston Martin and Mercedes. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains focused on delivering results in a season marked by grid changes and fierce title battles.
With 136 points, Verstappen holds a 57-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who sits fifth with 79 points for Ferrari. Three races are scheduled before the end of June – the Spanish GP, Canada, and Austria – and Verstappen needs to keep a lead of over 50 points above the fifth-placed driver to void the clause. Each Grand Prix awards 25 points to the winner, making it unlikely for drivers outside the top five to catch him by the deadline.
The RBR team, currently third in the Constructors’ Championship, relies heavily on Verstappen’s consistency to offset the lower points haul from his teammates, with recent driver changes like Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson after just two races.
Throwing it back to where it all began.
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 28, 2025
Barcelona, 2016 🤩#F1 || #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/Uv7Vufb7ud
Details of the contractual clause
Max Verstappen’s contract with RBR, valid until 2028, includes a clause allowing him to exit if he finishes June outside the top four in the Drivers’ Championship. This condition ensures the Dutchman remains with a team capable of competing for wins and titles. Sitting third with 136 points, Verstappen is well within the required threshold.
The clause underscores Verstappen’s value to RBR, where he has been the team’s cornerstone. He scored all of RBR’s points in the first three races of 2025, a rare feat matched only by Fernando Alonso (Ferrari, 2012) and Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2002) this century. His commanding performance in Japan, with pole position and victory, cemented his role as the team’s primary asset.
Key races until June
The 2025 Formula 1 calendar features three critical races for Verstappen to lock in his position. The Spanish Grand Prix, kicking off the triple-header, takes place at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, known for rewarding cars with strong aerodynamic performance. McLaren, leading the Constructors’ Championship, is a favorite, but Verstappen has shown reliability on similar tracks.
- Spanish GP (May 30–June 1): The 4.6-km circuit is technically demanding, with high-speed corners testing car efficiency. Verstappen is among the favorites after securing pole in Saudi Arabia.
- Canadian GP (June 13–15): Montreal’s track requires strong traction and straight-line speed, areas where RBR has struggled. Still, Verstappen has won in tough conditions this season.
- Austrian GP (June 27–29): Held at the Red Bull Ring, RBR’s home circuit, this race could be pivotal for Verstappen to seal his stay with a strong result.
These races will not only shape Verstappen’s future but also influence the season’s dynamics, with McLaren and Mercedes aiming to close the gap to RBR in the Constructors’ Championship.
Interest from rival teams
Speculation about Verstappen leaving RBR has stirred the paddock. Aston Martin, bolstered by the signings of Adrian Newey, former RBR designer, and Andy Cowell, ex-Mercedes engine expert, emerged as a potential destination. In April, Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Silverstone-based team offered a €264 million (approximately $280 million) three-year deal, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which plans to acquire the team from Lawrence Stroll.
Mercedes also surfaced as a possible suitor, particularly amid delays in renewing George Russell’s contract. However, team principal Toto Wolff expressed confidence in Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who debuted in F1 in 2025. Mercedes holds second in the Constructors’ Championship, driven by consistent results from its drivers.
Verstappen’s 2025 performance
Max Verstappen has been RBR’s backbone in a challenging season. He won the Japanese Grand Prix and secured pole in Saudi Arabia, showcasing his ability to maximize the RB21 car, which he described as tricky to drive. In Australia, he finished second behind McLaren’s Lando Norris, who leads the Drivers’ Championship with 144 points.
In China, Verstappen placed fourth in the main race and third in the sprint, adding crucial points for RBR. His career total of 3110.5 points surpasses Sebastian Vettel, trailing only Lewis Hamilton in F1’s historical points ranking.
Grid changes in Formula 1
The 2025 season brought significant driver market shifts. Lewis Hamilton left Mercedes after 12 years to join Ferrari, replacing Carlos Sainz, who moved to Williams. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old rookie, was promoted to Mercedes, while Gabriel Bortoleto, Formula 2 champion, brought Brazil back to the grid with Sauber.
RBR also made adjustments, with Yuki Tsunoda taking Liam Lawson’s seat after two races. The move, announced in March, was justified by team principal Christian Horner as a bid to boost competitiveness in the Constructors’ Championship, where RBR lags.
2025 regulations and updates
The 2025 season is the final year using the power unit configuration introduced in 2014. From 2026, new rules will eliminate the MGU-H, increase MGU-K power, and introduce cars with active aerodynamics. The Drag Reduction System (DRS), in place since 2011, will also be phased out.
Other changes include:
- Mandatory pit stops in Monaco: Drivers must make at least two stops, using three different tire compounds, to enhance race strategy.
- Removal of the fastest lap point: The rule, active since 2019, was scrapped after controversies, such as Daniel Ricciardo’s tactics in Singapore.
- Stricter safety protocols: Cars with significant damage must be immediately removed from the track, addressing risks like Sergio Pérez’s 2024 Canada incident.
Spotlight on the Spanish GP
The Spanish Grand Prix, running from May 30 to June 1, is a critical moment for Verstappen and RBR. The 4.6-km Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, with 16 corners, tests car balance and stability. McLaren, led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, is favored after its Australian win, but Verstappen excels on technical tracks.
The race marks the European season opener, following events in Australia, Japan, China, and Saudi Arabia. Organizers report sold-out grandstands for Sunday, reflecting strong fan interest.
Verstappen’s RBR legacy
Since joining RBR in 2016, Max Verstappen has claimed four world titles (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and became the youngest driver to win a Grand Prix at 18, in Spain 2016. His record includes 61 victories and 40 pole positions, placing him among F1’s all-time greats.
In 2025, Verstappen remains RBR’s key asset, navigating a transitional season ahead of 2026’s regulatory overhaul. His continued presence is vital for RBR, which aims to build a more competitive car with Ford’s engine partnership starting in 2026.
Competitive landscape in 2025
The 2025 Drivers’ Championship is tightly contested. Lando Norris leads with 144 points, followed by Oscar Piastri with 139. Verstappen, with 136, is close behind, while George Russell (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) round out the top five. In the Constructors’ Championship, McLaren leads, followed by Mercedes and RBR.
Ferrari, with Hamilton and Leclerc, has yet to win in 2025 but remains consistent with podiums. Sauber, fielding Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg, struggles, though Bortoleto scored points in Monaco despite a clash with Antonelli.
