Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing now includes an active exit clause. This development stems from his current position outside the top two in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings before the summer break. Verstappen is currently seventh after 11 races this season.
Red Bull reportedly attempted to secure Verstappen’s commitment beyond 2026 by offering to buy out his release clauses. The team proposed an €8 million sum to remove the clause, which would have tied him to Red Bull until 2028.
Verstappen declined this offer, indicating that a competitive Formula 1 car is more crucial than additional financial incentives. His camp also reportedly demanded a substantial pay rise during recent negotiations, which Red Bull rejected.
Reports indicate that McLaren is in advanced negotiations with Verstappen regarding a potential move for the 2027 season. Mercedes also held discussions with the four-time world champion, but these talks concluded due to Verstappen’s demand for a three-year contract.
The current 2026 Formula 1 season has presented challenges for Red Bull, with the team currently placed sixth in the Constructors’ Championship. Reliability issues and car performance concerns have been noted throughout the season.
These internal dynamics follow significant personnel changes within Red Bull Racing. Christian Horner was dismissed as Team Principal and CEO in July 2025, with Helmut Marko retiring later that year.
Laurent Mekies assumed the role of Team Principal and CEO, overseeing a period of considerable transition. Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and new investments at Red Bull GmbH, has been instrumental in these management shifts.
Adrian Newey, the renowned car designer, departed Red Bull for Aston Martin in 2025, where he now serves as team principal and managing technical partner. Other key technical figures, including Jonathan Wheatley, Rob Marshall, and Will Courtenay, have also left the team.
GianPiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer, is also slated to depart Red Bull in 2028 to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer. Red Bull announced a technical reshuffle in April 2026, promoting Ben Waterhouse and hiring Andrea Landi.
Despite their departures from Red Bull, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey were observed together at Wimbledon in July 2026. Horner also made his first return to the F1 paddock at the British Grand Prix last weekend since his dismissal.
Red Bull is also navigating its first season producing its own power units in collaboration with Ford for 2026. This initiative represents a substantial technical undertaking for the team.
Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos has consistently commented on Verstappen’s contract clauses, asserting that the Dutchman has multiple exit routes. Doornbos has stated his certainty regarding these contractual provisions.
Red Bull GmbH’s ownership structure consists of Chalerm Yoovidhya and his family holding 51%, with Mark Mateschitz holding 49%. A temporary transfer of 2% of Chalerm Yoovidhya’s personal shareholding to Fides Trustees occurred in 2025.
Max Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, so every year now, Red Bull will be like ‘Is he leaving or is he not leaving?’
