Max Verstappen can now formally activate an exit clause in his Red Bull Racing contract, potentially allowing him to depart for the 2027 Formula 1 season. This development follows his retirement from the British Grand Prix last Sunday.
The clause stipulates that Verstappen can leave if he is not within the top two positions in the Drivers’ Championship by the summer break. With two races remaining before the break, Verstappen is mathematically unable to reach second place.
Verstappen currently holds fourth position in the standings. George Russell of Mercedes is in second with 154 points, while Lewis Hamilton is third with 147 points. Verstappen has 76 points.
Red Bull GmbH leadership reportedly offered €8 million to buy out this specific exit clause. However, Verstappen declined the offer, indicating his priority is a competitive car over financial incentives.
Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, confirmed that contracts always contain exit clauses. He stated that the Verstappen camp aims to make a decision on 2027 plans soon, possibly before the summer break.
Verstappen has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the 2026 regulations, particularly the new engine rules and the heavy reliance on energy management. He has described the current situation as ‘anti-racing.’
His concerns extend to the performance of the RB22, citing issues with reliability and a lack of outright speed. Two recent rear wing failures have also contributed to his frustration.
For the 2026 power unit, Verstappen demands an engine with predictable torque delivery, especially during battery deployment. He also seeks active aerodynamics optimised for stability.
Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has stated that retaining Verstappen hinges on providing a competitive car and attracting top engineering talent. The team is currently focused on improving car performance.
Mekies expressed confidence that Formula 1 has the capacity to adjust regulations. He believes these tweaks can ensure flat-out qualifying and strong racing, which would keep Verstappen engaged.
Internally, Red Bull is reportedly reworking engine response characteristics to align with Verstappen’s feedback for the upcoming 2026 regulations.
A high-level Red Bull meeting took place in Amsterdam yesterday, Thursday, July 9, 2026. Jos Verstappen and Raymond Vermeulen were observed in discussions by Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren.
Earlier this week, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff met with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in Paris. Discussions focused on Red Bull’s engine ranking for 2026 and the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) process.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser, remains involved in these ongoing discussions.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has indicated a reluctance to consider Verstappen amidst ongoing speculation. McLaren CEO Zak Brown has maintained that Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will remain with the team.
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has suggested that a driver swap involving Verstappen and Piastri is not out of the question.
Mercedes was previously considered a potential destination for Verstappen. However, George Russell’s new contract and Kimi Antonelli’s recent success may have altered that landscape.
Our contract runs until the end of 2028. Of course, contracts always contain exit clauses, but we’ve never had to make use of them so far. We want to make a decision quickly so that everyone knows where they stand, possibly even before the summer break. We’d like to continue with Red Bull and see Max finish his career there, but he must always have the chance to compete for victories.
