Max Verstappen Red Bull exit clause close to being triggered

Max Verstappen is closing in on triggering a performance clause in his Red Bull contract, which would block him from leaving at the end of this year.

It is well-established that Verstappen's contract expires at the end of 2028 and that his long-term future in both F1 and Red Bull is in some doubt, with Aston Martin understood to be particularly keen on signing the four-time world champion. 

RacingNews365 understands that one clause in Verstappen's contract stipulates he must be within the top three of the drivers' championship by the summer, a criterion which he is currently meeting. 

If Verstappen maintains that placing, currently behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris heading into the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, then a potential exit from Red Bull would be closed off at the end of the year. 

Despite repeated claims that he would be at Red Bull for 2026, the topic of Verstappen's future has refused to die down, given the uncertainties the team faces with the competitiveness of its car and the unknown of the '26 rules overhaul. 

Mercedes had been heavily linked with a move for Verstappen, but after promoting Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton, boss Toto Wolff expects a contract renewal for George Russell to be completed, shutting off the Brackley team as a potential alternative should Verstappen leave Red Bull.