Max Verstappen has now reached an agreement that could see him leave Red Bull at the end of 2026

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Max Verstappen will almost certainly be racing for Red Bull in 2026, but that could be his final year at the team. The Formula 1 driver market is finally starting to move.

Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until 2028 but contains an exit clause requiring him to be in the top three at the summer break. With a 19-point buffer over George Russell in fourth, he’s likely to remain there.

Thus, Toto Wolff’s hopes of signing the Dutchman for 2026 have been thwarted. Mercedes are expected to announce new deals for George Russell and Kimi Antonelli as a result.

However, Verstappen’s exit clauses are more favourable in 2027. Red Bull’s competitive prospects are uncertain as they build their own power unit for the first time, and enter a first full season without Christian Horner.

Red Bull agree to let Max Verstappen leave for 2027 if he asks

According to Auto Motor und Sport’s Tobi Gruener, Verstappen is committed to racing for Red Bull in 2026. He hasn’t said this in public, but that may be a matter of time.

Crucially, though, Red Bull have ‘agreed to let him go’ for 2027 if he asks to leave. There appears to be a willingness to respect his wishes in exchange for one last chance.

In a written AMuS report, Michael Schmidt adds that Verstappen will be ‘free’ to choose his destination at the end of 2026. Mercedes are currently at the front of the queue, but Ferrari and Aston Martin will both have seats available too.

Verstappen’s management ‘demanded this freedom’, and while Horner refused, the new regime have granted his wish. He could still stay if the team deliver next year, but this is a potentially seismic concession.

Mystery F1 driver warns Max Verstappen about leaving Red Bull

Verstappen has given serious consideration to trying to leave Red Bull this year, but it’s ultimately too risky to move. The consensus is that Mercedes have built the best engine, but this will only be put to the test when the teams take to the track.

On that basis, there’s a compelling argument for Verstappen to wait a year, assess the pecking order and then decide where he wants to race. A fellow driver, quoted in the report, says ‘you’ll be able to make a much better choice’ in 12 months’ time with ‘more knowledge’.

Verstappen has formed a bond with Red Bull, but he values a competitive car more than anything else. He clearly has the talent to become the most successful F1 driver ever with the right machinery.

Should he join Mercedes, most expect him to race alongside Kimi Antonelli. A partnership between Verstappen and George Russell is seen as untenable.