BREAKING : Red Bull fears over Verstappen exit as contract…Read more
Red Bull Concerned Over Verstappen’s Potential Exit Due to Contract Clause
Red Bull Racing is facing concerns over Max Verstappen’s future with the team after a performance-related clause in his contract was revealed. Despite being signed with Red Bull until 2028, speculation has persisted that the Dutch driver has an exit option if the team fails to provide a competitive car capable of winning races.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, acknowledged these concerns, stating that Verstappen’s priority is to have a race-winning car. Speaking to Servus TV during the Chinese Grand Prix, Marko admitted that performance clauses exist in Verstappen’s contract, meaning the team could struggle to retain him if they fail to meet expectations. However, he insisted that Red Bull is not panicking just yet.
Red Bull’s struggles in 2025 have been evident, continuing a downward trend from the previous season. Although Verstappen narrowly missed out on victory in Australia due to unpredictable weather and multiple safety car interventions, his fourth-place finish in China was a clear sign that Red Bull is lagging behind its rivals.
The team’s difficulties are further highlighted by the struggles of Verstappen’s teammate, Liam Lawson, who qualified last in both the sprint and main races at the Chinese Grand Prix and has yet to score a point in 2025 with the RB21. As a result, Red Bull has already made a driver switch, promoting Yuki Tsunoda in an effort to improve performance. However, Lawson’s struggles also suggest deeper issues with the car, with Verstappen outperforming its capabilities to secure a respectable fourth-place finish in Shanghai.
Amid these struggles, rumors about Verstappen’s future have intensified. Reports suggest that he could make a move to Mercedes in 2026, as both of their current drivers are out of contract at the end of 2025. McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently suggested that Verstappen has already been swayed by Mercedes’ potential, claiming that the deal is almost finalized.
With major regulation changes coming in 2026, many believe Mercedes will be at the forefront of development, making them an attractive option for Verstappen. If Red Bull fails to turn their form around, the reigning world champion could activate his contract clause and make the switch, leaving Red Bull scrambling to find a replacement.
