P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Will Max Verstappen seek Red Bull exit if F1 2026 performance falters?
There are rumors that Max Verstappen may leave Red Bull if the team is not competitive in the upcoming 2026 F1 season, according to an insider.
Verstappen was courted by Mercedes earlier this year, but he confirmed his stay at Red Bull until at least the end of 2026 to dispel the speculations.
Despite being under contract until 2028, Verstappen’s deal reportedly includes clauses that could allow him to leave Red Bull early based on performance.
Respected sources suggest that if Red Bull fails to be at the front of the grid in 2026, Verstappen might consider changing teams for the 2027 season.
However, Verstappen seems happier at Red Bull under the new leadership of Laurent Mekies, following tensions during Christian Horner’s tenure as team principal.
