Verstappen set to trigger contract clause keeping him at Red Bull for F1 2026
📝 What’s This Clause About?
Verstappen’s contract has a rule that says he can leave Red Bull early if he is not in the top four of the championship standings after the Austrian Grand Prix.
Right now, Max is third in the standings and has a big 57-point lead over Charles Leclerc, who is in fifth. If Max still has at least a 50-point lead after this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, the clause will no longer be active. That means he must stay at Red Bull for 2026.
🔧 No More Exit Option
Earlier, there was another part of the contract that allowed Verstappen to leave if Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko left the team. But that part has already been removed. So now, the only exit option depends on his championship position.
🛑 What About the Mercedes Rumors?
There have been rumors linking Verstappen to Aston Martin and Mercedes. The Mercedes talk got louder because George Russell hasn’t signed a new deal yet. But now, those rumors may calm down, especially if Max stays locked in at Red Bull.
📊 What’s Next?
If Max finishes the Spanish GP with a 50+ point lead over fifth place, the exit clause will automatically close. That would make his future with Red Bull official for 2026 — two races before the clause deadline.
At the same time, Mercedes says they’re still in talks with George Russell, and everything is going as planned.
🗣️ Toto Wolff (Mercedes Team Boss):
“George and I know exactly what’s going on. No delays here.”
✅ Quick Recap:
- Max needs to stay in the top 4 by the Austrian GP.
- He has a 57-point lead over 5th place right now.
- If he keeps a 50+ point gap after Spain, the exit clause ends.
- Max is likely to stay with Red Bull for 2026.
