According to Motorsport.com, a clause in Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull will expire if he finishes in the top four of the Formula 1 drivers’ championship after the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
Verstappen, who is currently in third place with a 57-point gap over fifth, could nullify the exit clause by maintaining a 50-point advantage by the end of the Spanish Grand Prix.
The renegotiated contract, valid until 2028, removed the clause allowing him to leave if advisor Helmut Mark’s exit occurred, with a deadline of the end of June for the championship-based exit clause.
Rumours linking Verstappen to Aston Martin have faded, leading to speculation about a potential move to Mercedes, especially with George Russell’s contract renewal still in progress.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull for 2026 will become certain if he maintains a 50-point lead over the driver in fifth place after the Barcelona race, with only two events left before the clause deadline.
