Timo Glock tells Red Bull their ‘crucial’ next challenge to keep Max Verstappen amid exit clause

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Former F1 star Timo Glock has had his say on the current saga involving Red Bull and Max Verstappen, warning the team that their next set of upgrades could be “crucial” to the Dutchman’s decision on his future.

The calibre of car that Red Bull have built in line with the 2026 F1 regulations has emerged as a leading factor in Verstappen’s unhappiness at the team, with things coming to a head following his DNF at last weekend’s British Grand Prix.

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Verstappen was furious with Red Bull after the race, revealing how they had refused to allow him to start from the pit lane after his request for a new engine, as well as citing yet another rear wing fault as the reason for his crash at Stowe corner.

Despite the qualms, the four-time world champion was running in P3 at the time and on course for a second consecutive podium finish had it not been for the late DNF. Still, it’s clear that the only podium position he will settle for is the one at the very top.

• READ MORE: Juan Pablo Montoya spots glaring issue in Max Verstappen’s latest irritation with Red Bull

Timo Glock says Red Bull’s next set of upgrades will be crucial for Max Verstappen’s decision on future

Verstappen has been linked with a multitude of different F1 outfits in recent months, with McLaren recently emerging as the favourite to sign their formerly fierce drivers’ title rival.

It currently looks highly likely that a performance-related clause pertaining to his position in the drivers’ championship at the summer break will be available to be triggered this year, and it is understood that Verstappen has until October to activate it.

Red Bull now have a three-month window in which they must convince Verstappen to remain where he is, unless the four-time world champion takes it upon himself to activate the clause earlier than the deadline.

As such, former F1 driver Timo Glock has warned Red Bull that their upgrades this season are “crucial” to keeping him at the team.

“It’s very exciting to see what’s happening at the moment,” Glock told Heute. “What’s clear is that, since the new engine regulations came into force – and since Red Bull became a manufacturer – they’ve included more specific provisions in the exit clause to ensure they can pull out if things go wrong.

“Everyone is talking about the exit clause, which apparently exists. The question is what alternatives he has. The new update will be crucial.”

• READ MORE: Guenther Steiner thinks Max Verstappen ‘absolutely’ regrets snubbing Toto Wolff last year

Glock may be referring to the upgrades that Red Bull brought to their home race at the Austrian Grand Prix, which solved a plethora of fundamental issues with the RB22, and aided Verstappen to a season-best P2 finish.

The German could also be pointing towards the upgrades that the Milton Keynes-based F1 team currently have in store for the RB22. At the time of writing, Red Bull have remained silent on what area of the F1 car they are planning to upgrade, but an update will inevitably come.