Concern at Red Bull: Max Verstappen considers leaving the team and could trigger a clause in his contract
Max Verstappen’s future at the Red Bull Formula 1 team has become the subject of intense speculation, with the Dutch driver scheduling a crucial meeting with the team’s top brass. The meeting should take place later this week, during the Austrian Grand Prix.
According to reports on the website “RacingNews365”, the 28-year-old four-time world champion may be considering triggering an exit clause in his contract, which would allow him to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of the current season. The team, in turn, seeks clarity to be able to plan its next strategic moves.
Verstappen expresses dissatisfaction with the category’s performance and direction
Max Verstappen has openly demonstrated his dissatisfaction with the direction of Formula 1, the new technical specifications of the cars and their performance in the 2026 season. Used to appearing in the top positions, the driver currently occupies seventh place in the general classification, behind the six representatives from teams such as Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren.
The Dutchman dominated the category, winning four consecutive titles between 2021 and 2024. In 2025, he was surpassed by McLaren driver Lando Norris by a minimum margin of just two points. This season, his performance is unusual, with no race wins to date.
Questions about dedication and the future in Formula 1
“Particularly, I’m very happy. You wait for 24 races. This time there are 22. But normally there are 24”, Verstappen told BBC Sport in an interview in March, referring to the cancellations of two races in the Middle East due to conflicts in the region.
He continued questioning: “And then you start to think: is it worth it? Or do I like being at home with my family more? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
Leia Também
Messi reaches 19 goals in FIFA World Cups with great free kick for Argentina in clash with Jordan
Cristiano Ronaldo shines beyond the pitch at the 2026 World Cup with business empire and family luxury
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo reaffirms his historic legacy and prepares to shine in the 2026 World Cup
Details of the exit clause in the agreement with Red Bull
While evaluating the possibilities for his future, Verstappen, who has accumulated 71 Grand Prix victories, has a contract in force with Red Bull until the end of 2028. However, information from “RacingNews365” indicates that the agreement contains specific exit clauses, linked to performance, which can be activated by the driver under certain conditions.
The co-owners of Red Bull GmbH, the company that controls the team, Mark Mateschitz and Chalerm Yoovidhya, are expected to participate in the conversations that will take place in Austria, the country where the company’s global headquarters are located. If there is no agreement by Friday, discussions should continue over the weekend.
Financial compensation to keep Verstappen and attract engineers
The expectation is that the negotiations include the possibility of Red Bull offering robust financial compensation to cancel the exit clause, aiming to guarantee Verstappen’s stay for the next two seasons. This move would not only retain one of F1’s greatest talents, but would also be crucial in attracting top engineers to develop the team’s future cars.
In the same interview with “BBC Sport”, the driver reinforced that he still has serious doubts about the continuity of his career in motorsport.
He explained: “When you’re in seventh or eighth place and you don’t like the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural for a driver. Of course I try to adapt, but it’s not pleasant the way you have to race. It’s really against the driving. There comes a time when it’s just not what I want to do.”
When asked directly whether he would consider leaving Formula 1, Verstappen was emphatic in his response: “That’s exactly what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything that involves this paddock.”
