Max Verstappen Set to Trigger Contract Clause Keeping Him at Red Bull Through 2026

Max Verstappen may soon be off the Formula 1 market — whether he likes it or not. The three-time world champion is on track to trigger a clause in his Red Bull Racing contract that will lock him into the team through the 2026 F1 season, ending months of speculation about a potential move to a rival constructor like Mercedes or Aston Martin.

According to a report, Max Verstappen’s long-term contract — currently running until 2028 — includes an early exit clause that would allow him to leave Red Bull after 2025 only if he falls outside the top four in the drivers’ championship standings by the end of the Austrian Grand Prix.

As it stands ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen sits third in the championship, 57 points ahead of fifth-placed Charles Leclerc. If Verstappen finishes in Barcelona with at least a 50-point cushion over the fifth-place driver, the clause will automatically expire — effectively guaranteeing his stay with Red Bull into the next regulation era.

Exit Rumours Fade, But Mercedes Speculation Grows

While Red Bull appears poised to retain their star driver, Max Verstappen’s future has remained a hot topic in the paddock. He was heavily linked to Aston Martin over the winter, with rumours of a record-breaking offer circulating in F1 circles. However, those whispers have since quieted.

Now, all eyes are on Mercedes F1, where Max Verstappen is rumoured to be eyeing a seat, possibly replacing George Russell. The timing has been interesting: George Russell’s contract renewal talks with Mercedes have stalled, and Max Verstappen’s commitment is nearing a contractual point of no return.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, speaking during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend, insisted there is no drama: “George and I are totally clear on how this is going to go, and 100% aligned.”

Red Bull Future Looking More Certain

Unless there is a dramatic points swing in the next two races, Max Verstappen’s freedom to leave Red Bull will close by the end of June. The Dutch driver’s exit clause, once thought to be tied to internal team politics — including the status of Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko — has now boiled down to performance metrics.

Given Red Bull’s current pace and Max Verstappen’s consistency, it’s highly likely the clause will become void as early as this Sunday, leaving little doubt about his short-term future.

Why It Matters for F1 2026

With massive technical regulation changes set to take effect in 2026, including new engine formats and chassis rules, Max Verstappen’s decision could significantly shape the competitive landscape for years to come. A commitment to Red Bull means continuity, stability, and a clear title path, especially if the team can maintain its dominant form.

For now, fans and teams alike await Sunday’s results, which could quietly lock in one of the most significant decisions of the 2025 F1 season. The Spanish Grand Prix 2025 is here.