According to Autosport, a clause in Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing will only allow him to exit the team for 2026 if he is not within the top four of the Formula 1 world drivers’ championship by the end of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. Verstappen, currently in third place, needs to maintain a 50-point margin over fifth place, possibly Charles Leclerc, by the Spanish Grand Prix for the exit clause to become invalid. His contract, which now runs through 2028, had the exit clause tied to leaving the team if his advisor Helmut Marko departed, a scenario that no longer applies.
While Verstappen was previously linked to Aston Martin, recent rumors suggest a potential move to Mercedes, with George Russell’s contract renewal at Mercedes being delayed. However, any decision on Russell’s future is expected to align shortly, as Mercedes principal Toto Wolff noted that discussions with Russell are progressing smoothly. Max’s future with Red Bull for 2026 will likely be solidified with a significant lead in the championship standings, potentially before the June deadline for the exit clause based on ranking.
