It has been revealed that Max Verstappen could potentially leave Red Bull this season due to a performance-based release clause in his contract.
It was an extremely disappointing weekend in Bahrain for the reigning world champion, as he slipped to third in the driver standings following Oscar Piastri's win.
Verstappen still managed to come home in an impressive sixth, despite two slow pit stops which put him in plum last at the midway point of the Grand Prix.
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Despite having a contract until 2028 Verstappen's future at Red Bull has been a hot topic in recent months, following the team's sharp decline from mid-2024.
Both Mercedes and Aston Martin have been linked to the Dutchman, and it has been revealed that an exit clause is in place that would allow Verstappen to terminate his contract under certain conditions.
According to The Times, Verstappen will have the power to walk away from Red Bull if he is “outside the top three in the Drivers’ Championship after a significant part of the season.”
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With Verstappen currently third and George Russell and Charles Leclerc closing in, there is a serious chance by the summer break Verstappen could have fallen further down the order.
Verstappen exit clause a 'hot topic' by the summer say Red Bull
Speaking after the disappointment in Bahrain, Red Bull advisor admitted Verstappen's exit clause could become a topic of discussion by mid-season.
"Of course, every top driver has an exit clause if performance is not good, but they are all tuned differently. That is not a topic at the moment," Marko told Formel 1.de.
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However, when asked if the summer break was when it would become a hot topic, Marko replied: “Yes, that's the time window."
Christian Horner also made comment on Verstappen's exit clause towards the back end of the 2024 season, but also insisted that it is not out of the ordinary for the top drivers.
“Every contract has a performance [clause] element in it," Horner told PlanetF1 in October.
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“We’re not going to talk about what those elements are, but as long as we provide a competitive car we know what the situation is.
“The situation was always clear between ourselves and Max and I think that others can talk, but we’re comfortable with where we’re at," he added.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Formula 1, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins