Marko reveals details of Verstappen's Red Bull exit clause

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has offered a clue into the exit clause that exists in Max Verstappen's F1 contract.

Marko spoke last week on the Dutchman's exit clause and suggested that it could be a topic of conversation around the summer break.

Verstappen has been linked with an exit from Red Bull across the 12 months amid multiple senior engineering exits to rival teams and the squad's dip in form that has seemingly carried over to the new season.

McLaren has started the year in the strongest fashion with two grand prix wins from the opening two rounds - however Verstappen's podium in Australia and fourth place in China has left him second in the standings.

Marko has suggested Verstappen's current position in the drivers' championship would not be enough to allow him to trigger the release clause.

“We need to make the RB21 more competitive," Marko told RTL and sport.de. “As things stand, the exit clause will not be in effect.”

With a major technical regulation overhaul coming into play next year, the potential for the pecking order to receive a shake-up has been boosted.

Marko is aware Verstappen will seek the fastest package on the grid and will not be opposed to moving away from Red Bull to find it.

“He will just look for the opportunities where he can get it,” he said.

“At the moment I hope that is still far away. We want that fifth title. The whole team is focused on that.”