Former Red Bull driver reveals additional Max Verstappen contract clause

Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos has revealed an additional clause in Max Verstappen's contract, a clause he is "100,000%" certain is included in the Dutchman's deal. 

Despite being contracted until the end of 2028, Verstappen has been linked with an exit from Red Bull after George Russell confirmed during the Austrian Grand Prix that Mercedes is speaking to the reigning world champion. 

RacingNews365 understands that Verstappen can leave the Austrian outfit at the end of the year if he falls outside the top three of the F1 drivers' standings at some point during the summer.

However, Doornbos has insisted that an additional clause in the 27-year-old's contract is that he can quit Red Bull if the team is outside the top three in the constructors' title – it is currently in fourth.

 "The other clause dictates that Verstappen can leave if Red Bull is not in the top three among the constructors'," Doornbos said on the Ziggo Sport Race Cafe. 

"Of that I know, it's in there 100,000% for sure. Because if a team can't deliver more, then a driver can't deliver either."

Russell confirmed Mercedes' discussions with Verstappen on media day at the Red Bull Ring, to the extent that he revealed it was delaying his own talks with the Silver Arrows. 

According to Doornbos, the conversations between the Brackley-based team and Verstappen are now new, and have been ongoing for some time.

"Those talks with Mercedes are going on, since last year in fact, that is not rocket science," added Doornbos. 

"Then there is a rest for a while, then there is some more talk. And that George Russell, meanwhile, just has to wait, twiddling his thumbs."