P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Helmut Marko agreed to Max’s contract, so he should know for certain what was included in it!
Helmut Marko has denied reports suggesting that Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing includes another exit clause.
Rumors circulated in the lead-up to the 2025 summer break, indicating that Verstappen might have the option to leave the team for the 2026 season if he didn’t finish in the top three of the drivers’ championship, possibly due to George Russell’s performance.
Verstappen ultimately secured third place before the break, which did not activate the rumored exit clause, but it’s believed that additional clauses exist. If Verstappen doesn’t finish in the top two by the 2026 summer break, he could potentially depart for 2027.
Furthermore, there is speculation that if Verstappen isn’t leading the championship by the 2027 summer break, he could leave for 2028 when his current contract ends.
When asked about these exit clause possibilities, Marko refuted the claims, emphasizing the honesty and fairness of their contract negotiations and the importance of a competitive engine for retaining Verstappen.
Marko hinted at the significance of a competitive Red Bull-Ford engine, suggesting that it would be logical for Verstappen to consider leaving if the engine fails to meet expectations, as he aims to break records and achieve success in Formula 1.
