After crashing out of the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen trails Oscar Piastri by more than 60 points at the top of the F1 standings. Despite the lackluster performance, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko says the team isn’t concerned that performance-related exit clauses could pave the way for an early departure for the Dutchman. Verstappen’s retirement from the Austrian GP was the cherry on top of an awful cake for Red Bull at its home grand prix. The Dutchman was shunted out of the race by Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Turn 3 on lap one. The result in Austria ended Red Bull’s 77-race points-scoring streak in F1 and means it has now been five races since Verstappen’s last grand prix victory. Max Verstappen is contracted with the Milton Keynes-based team until the end of 2028, but it is believed that this deal has several exit clauses baked in that would allow Verstappen to walk away if he or the team isn’t performing as expected. While the team remains committed to Verstappen and his future at the squad, the four-time world champion hasn’t done much to counter claims of an impending departure.
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