Max Verstappen can only quit Red Bull early for one reason after Helmut Marko clause has removed

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Red Bull Racing know the next 10 races could be pivotal to the long-term success of the team.

The Dutch Grand Prix offers Max Verstappen the chance to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship and Sergio Perez the opportunity to deserve to be at Red Bull beyond the end of the season.

Red Bull are in pole position to win both championships and at the start of the year that looked like a certainty.

However, Christian Horner’s team have lost their advantage over the rest of the grid and it’s quickly shown up Perez’s issues.

The Mexican survived a mid-season review of his performance despite Red Bull inserting clauses in Perez’s contract that would have allowed him to be dropped.

Red Bull are also on the cusp of losing Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley which may be a concern to Verstappen.

A report from the Dutch outlet De Telegraaf has shared more information on Verstappen’s immediate future.

Verstappen has a contract that runs until the end of the 2028 season, which is likely the longest deal in the paddock.

READ MORE: 2024 F1 driver contract lengths and wages including Max Verstappen’s Red Bull deal

However, there was a clause in Verstappen’s contract that allowed him to move on if Helmut Marko departed Red Bull.

Marko’s Red Bull deal has now been altered, giving the Dutchman one less way to escape his deal if he decided he wants to move on.

Mercedes are still desperate to sign Verstappen and there may still be a way for the 26-year-old to get out of his contract early if he wishes to.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen still has exit clause in Red Bull contract despite Helmut Marko option being removed

The report from De Telegraaf provides more details about Verstappen’s current Red Bull contract.

Although Marko leaving the team would no longer offer Verstappen a way out, he can still leave Red Bull early if certain criteria are met.

Mercedes have accepted that Verstappen won’t be joining in 2025 but a strong performance from Toto Wolff’s team could play a role in getting him out of his current contract.

It’s understood that Verstappen’s contract contains the ‘necessary performance clauses’ that mean if Red Bull lose even more ground on their rivals and he ‘can no longer manage on his own’, then he’ll be able to move on.

These clauses tend to be included by Red Bull in case they want to remove a driver, but they work both ways.

Wolff is expected to want to continue dialogue with the Verstappen camp with a view towards 2026, with regulation changes coming and Red Bull going solo with their power unit for the first time without Newey at the helm to design the car.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

David Croft thinks Mercedes have driver dilemma to solve for 2025

With Verstappen not going anywhere next year unless something dramatically changes, Mercedes need to bring in a driver alongside George Russell.

That’s expected to be Kimi Antonelli after a promising debut campaign in Formula 2.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Mercedes AMG F1 Team from team principal to lineage

However, Sky Sports commentator David Croft isn’t sure that promoting Antonelli is the right decision.

Mercedes’s willingness to wait for months to see if they could sign Verstappen highlights that it’s not a straightforward decision to promote the 17-year-old.

Sainz was also considered by Mercedes but that felt like a short-term fix that wouldn’t have suited the Spaniard.

The grid is going to look very different in 2025 but Verstappen will still be in his Red Bull overalls next year.