Fineprint detail in Max Verstappen’s contract could now cause trouble for Red Bull

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Max Verstappen’s contract and the freedom it gives him for 2027 hang over Red Bull like a dark cloud.

It is well known that the Dutchman has a deal until 2028, but it includes performance-based clauses that allow him to leave at the end of 2026.

Speculation about his future ramped up again at the Austrian GP, as Verstappen’s camp initiated talks with McLaren. With Mercedes locked in with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, the Woking outfit seems to be his likely destination if he leaves Red Bull.

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Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull if he finishes lower than second or third in 2026

The Milton Keynes outfit are trying everything in their power to keep their star driver beyond 2026. Red Bull provided Verstappen with new upgrades at Spielberg, which brought him close to victory as he settled for second behind Russell.

But the situation is at a critical stage, as according to F1-Insider, the internal deadline for Verstappen to decide his future has now passed. The four-time champion could have activated his exit clause, and Verstappen does not have to tell Red Bull until October.

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The team are taking desperate measures to retain the 28-year-old. Red Bull could offer Verstappen shares in the team, similar to what former team principal Christian Horner wanted before he was sacked in 2025.

They have also tried to void the exit clause by offering Verstappen a £6.9m buyout. But as it stands, it is still active in his contract, and the circumstances of it could be a problem.

The F1-Insider report notes that Verstappen would be free to leave Red Bull if he finishes ‘lower than second or third’ in the 2026 championship.

Currently, after the Austrian GP, he is sitting seventh, 52 points behind third-place Lewis Hamilton and 58 points behind Russell in second. Championship leader Antonelli is 98 points clear of the Dutchman.

Red Bull’s upgrades at Spielberg were a positive step in the right direction and will be encouraging for Verstappen. But it is crunch time for his future, and the team need to keep the momentum going.