Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing now includes an activated exit clause, following his performance at the British Grand Prix on July 5, 2026. This development places his future with the team under increased scrutiny.
The clause, widely reported, permits Verstappen to terminate his agreement if he is not within the top two or three positions in the Drivers’ Championship by the Formula 1 summer break.
After the Silverstone event, Verstappen is mathematically unable to meet this performance threshold. He currently sits seventh in the championship standings with 76 points.
The British Grand Prix weekend proved challenging for the four-time world champion. He retired from the race on lap 48 while running in third position.
Verstappen’s retirement was attributed to a recurring rear-wing issue, specifically a reattachment problem. This same fault caused him to crash during qualifying at the preceding Austrian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman described the repeated mechanical failures as ‘frustrating and painful,’ also labeling the ‘Macarena’ wing as ‘super-dangerous.’
Internal team radio communications from Silverstone revealed Verstappen’s frustration with the RB22’s engine deployment and overall lack of grip throughout the race.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s decision to not allow an engine change after qualifying, which would have resulted in a pit-lane start.
Red Bull reportedly offered €8 million to buy out Verstappen’s exit clause, aiming to secure his commitment until 2028. Verstappen declined this offer.
Raymond Vermeulen, Verstappen’s manager, has stated that while exit clauses exist in the contract, their preference is to remain with Red Bull, provided the team can supply a competitive car.
‘We want to continue on this path with Red Bull and for Max to end his career here – but, of course, with the chance to win.’
Speculation regarding Verstappen’s potential move to McLaren has intensified. However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown has publicly denied any plans to alter his current driver line-up.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are under contract with McLaren until at least 2027 and 2028, respectively.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also ruled out his team as a destination, confirming that George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will remain with Mercedes into the 2027 season.
A related development sees Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, slated to join McLaren as chief racing officer no later than 2028.
Helmut Marko, who departed his role as Red Bull motorsport advisor in December 2025, maintains personal contact with Verstappen. However, he is no longer involved in formal team negotiations.
Verstappen is required to inform Red Bull by October if he intends to activate his exit clause for the 2027 season.
