Red Bull fears over Verstappen exit as contract cla…read more
raised concerns over the potential exit of Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen due to a clause in his contract that could allow him to leave if the team fails to provide a competitive, race-winning car. Verstappen, who is currently under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has long been the subject of speculation regarding performance clauses that might enable him to depart if the team cannot deliver a car capable of competing for victories.
As the 2025 season begins, Red Bull has faced a noticeable decline in performance, continuing the struggles they encountered in the latter part of the 2024 season. Despite Verstappen’s usual dominance in Formula 1, the car has not been up to his high standards so far in 2025, putting him at a significant disadvantage in terms of race victories. Marko, however, stressed that Red Bull is not in a state of crisis yet, reminding everyone that the season is still in its early stages. “Max wants a car that can always win,” Marko stated in an interview with Servus TV at the Chinese Grand Prix. He acknowledged that there are always performance clauses in contracts, and if Red Bull cannot meet Verstappen’s expectations, it could lead to complications in the future.
The 2025 season has been off to a rough start for the team. At the Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen narrowly missed out on a victory, finishing just under a second behind the leader amid chaotic weather and multiple safety cars. However, his performance at the Chinese Grand Prix was less impressive, with Verstappen finishing in fourth place. This result highlighted the gap between Red Bull and their rivals in terms of performance, raising further concerns about the team’s ability to compete at the front.
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s teammate, Liam Lawson, has faced even more struggles. The young driver qualified last in both the sprint race and the main race at the Chinese Grand Prix, and he has yet to score any points in the 2025 season with the RB21. Lawson’s poor form led Red Bull to make an early decision to promote Yuki Tsunoda, a move that underscores their desire to improve their overall performance. Lawson’s difficulties, however, are also indicative of Red Bull’s broader issues, with Verstappen managing to finish fourth despite the car’s evident shortcomings.
As for Verstappen’s future, there have been rumors swirling that the Dutch driver could be eyeing a move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. Both Mercedes drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, are not contracted beyond the end of 2025, leaving the door open for Verstappen to potentially switch teams. McLaren boss Zak Brown recently fueled speculation by suggesting that Verstappen’s interest in Mercedes could be tied to the team’s anticipated competitiveness under new regulations set to take effect in 2026. Brown hinted that Verstappen might already have a deal in place with Mercedes, predicting that the Brackley-based team could have a superior car once the new regulations take shape, making them a more attractive option for the reigning world champion.
While the future remains uncertain, it’s clear that Verstappen’s primary focus is securing a car capable of winning races. Red Bull faces mounting pressure to return to its former glory and provide the Dutchman with the machinery he needs to continue his dominance in the sport. If they fail to deliver, they may have a fight on their hands to keep Verstappen beyond the 2025 season.
