Max Verstappen's future at Red Bull could take a dramatic turn in the coming days. While the four-time world champion is still under contract until the end of 2028, several German media outlets claim that a release clause that is now impossible to override could pave the way for an early departure.
Verstappen – Red Bull: divorce on the horizon?
The year 2026 is far from the dream scenario for Verstappen. After seven Grands Prix, the Dutchman has yet to win a single race and sits only seventh in the championship, more than one hundred points behind the leader. Andrea Kimi AntonelliA situation that would have been unimaginable just a few months ago.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the contract of Verstappen would contain a clause linked to his performance in the championship. To remain locked in at Red Bull, He should be among the top two drivers in the standings before July 1st. Problem: mathematically, this objective is now unattainable.
Even if he wins the Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen would no longer be able to climb back into the Top 2 before the scheduled deadline. As a result, the famous clause could be activated without Red Bull cannot realistically oppose it. For a team that has dominated the paddock for several years, the signal is particularly worrying. Especially since Red Bull is going through a difficult period, relegated behind Mercedes Benz, Ferrari and McLaren in the constructors' championship.
Mercedes, retirement… or a bombshell?
Officially, Verstappen He remains silent. But speculation is mounting. Mercedes Benz never completely hid his interest in the Dutch champion, even though the duo George Russell – Kimi Antonelli He has impressed this season. Other rumors suggest an even more radical scenario: premature retirement at only 28 years old. Verstappen He has already criticized the new 2026 Formula 1 cars on several occasions, believing they no longer provide the driving pleasure he seeks. This frustration further fuels speculation about his future.
Verstappen summoned to Red Bull summit
As if the situation wasn't already tense enough, Max Verstappen participated in recent days in a strategic meeting with the main executives and shareholders of Red Bull in Austria. According to several paddock sources, Mark Mateschitz, Oliver Mintzlaff and even the very discreet majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya were present to try to obtain guarantees about the future of the four-time world champion.
The objective of this meeting was clear: to convince Verstappen to remain committed to the project Red Bull Despite the difficulties of 2026 and persistent rumors surrounding a possible release clause, the Dutchman has reportedly refused to commit to 2027, according to information revealed this Friday, and has given no assurances to the club's management.
This meeting comes as the clan Verstappen Red Bull wants to make a decision about its future before the summer break. This deadline now puts enormous pressure on Red Bull ahead of the Austrian, British, Belgian, and Hungarian Grands Prix.
The countdown has begun
For the first time in a long time, the idea of a departure from Verstappen It no longer appears to be a mere paddock rumor. If the information coming from Germany is confirmed, the Austrian Grand Prix could mark the beginning of a major upheaval in the driver transfer market.
And this time, Red Bull might no longer have a say in the matter.
