Max Verstappen’s exit clause set to activate after Austrian Grand Prix as new Red Bull contract details emerge

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While Max Verstappen’s deal with Red Bull covers him until 2028, his team built in contingency plans so he could leave if the outfit fell behind.

Verstappen heads into the Austrian Grand Prix 43 points adrift of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and has made it clear he doesn’t see himself as a title challenger this season.

READ MORE: Ferrari responds to Lewis Hamilton’s complaints and works to fix ‘annoying’ issue

Despite Red Bull’s setbacks, he remains the standout performer, having scored 155 of the team’s 162 points. But his run of four consecutive titles is under real threat.

Red Bull’s future and Verstappen’s clause in focus

Any decision Verstappen makes will have to focus on the future. Red Bull, who have lost key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, are building their own power unit for the first time as the regulations change in 2026.

Verstappen made headlines again during the Austria press conference, where he stopped short of committing to Red Bull for 2026. He said it wasn’t something he was thinking about and signalled his fatigue with constant questions about his future.

While earlier reports suggested Verstappen’s release clause depended on him staying inside the top three at midseason, Cerasoli believes the threshold is even higher — the top two — and that it would trigger regardless after the Spielberg weekend.

Mercedes or Red Bull: Verstappen’s decision looms

It’s worth noting that George Russell, one of the key targets for Mercedes, has yet to renew his contract — a situation that could be affected by Verstappen’s availability.

While Aston Martin, another potential landing spot, has reportedly been ruled out by Verstappen, the likely choice appears to be either staying with Red Bull or moving to Mercedes. Despite Lawrence Stroll’s significant investment in Aston, the team is still struggling to deliver results.

Russell has been the standout for Mercedes this year, but Verstappen is an all-time great and widely seen as the best driver on the grid.

What’s more, Mercedes are said to be targeting Verstappen not just for his driving ability but to fill the commercial gap left by Hamilton’s departure — a role few drivers other than Verstappen could realistically take on.