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Max Verstappen’s shocking contract clauses revealed: could he leave Red Bull if not second?

David Castro by David Castro
January 14, 2026
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Max Verstappen’s shocking contract clauses revealed: could he leave Red Bull if not second?

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 07: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512070372 // Usage for editorial use only //

Title: Max Verstappen’s Shocking Contract Clauses Exposed: Could He Ditch Red Bull by 2027?

In a stunning revelation that could shake the very foundations of Formula 1, revelations from Bild have uncovered explosive clauses in Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull Racing. The details, which outline the Dutch champion’s potential exit strategy, have sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, raising questions about the future of one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Verstappen’s current contract extends to 2028, but lurking within its complex structure are stipulations that could permit him to sever ties with Red Bull as early as 2026. This contract has undergone significant modifications over the years, including the controversial removal of a clause in 2024 that would have allowed him to leave if his mentor, Helmut Marko, exited the team.

Last year, Verstappen himself hinted at the possibility of switching allegiances, having engaged in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. Although he ultimately chose to remain with Red Bull, this flirtation with change suggests that the groundwork for a potential exit was already being laid.

Now, the stakes have been raised even higher. According to Bild, Verstappen will have the right to unilaterally terminate his contract if he is not in at least second place in the World Championship standings by the summer break in late July 2026, following the Hungarian Grand Prix, which is the 13th race of the season. This clause signifies a pivotal moment for the ace driver; if he finds himself outside of the title contention, he could walk away from Red Bull with minimal repercussions.

The situation becomes even more intense for the 2027 season. The contract stipulates that if Verstappen is not leading the championship by the summer break that year, he can bid farewell to Red Bull at the end of the season. Such a clause not only reflects the immense pressure on the driver to perform but also puts Red Bull on notice—failure to deliver could mean losing their golden boy.

These provisions were negotiated during the 2022 contract renewal, with Helmut Marko handling the discussions independently, leaving Red Bull’s team principal Christian Horner in the dark about these explosive details. The implications of these clauses are far-reaching, suggesting that Verstappen is not just racing for titles but also carefully plotting his career trajectory.

As the 2023 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Verstappen and how he navigates the pressures of the championship. With these exit clauses looming over Red Bull, the question remains: will we see Verstappen in a different car by 2027? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—this story is far from over, and the motorsport world will be watching every move he makes.

Tags: 125cc-world-championship1958-formula-1-seasonmax-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racing
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