P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s future is becoming a significant talking point, with another contract clause having potentially been discovered.
Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos has disclosed an additional clause in Max Verstappen’s contract, which he is “100,000%” certain about. This clause allows Verstappen to exit Red Bull if the team falls outside the top three in the constructors’ title, where they currently stand in fourth place. Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen’s potential departure has been fueled by rumors of Mercedes showing interest after George Russell confirmed ongoing discussions with the reigning world champion. RacingNews365 reports that Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the year if he drops out of the top three in the F1 drivers’ standings over the summer. As per Doornbos, the talks between Mercedes and Verstappen have been ongoing since last year, causing a delay in negotiations with Russell, who finds himself in a waiting game.
