SUMMARY
- Recent findings reveal Max Verstappen's exit option in Red Bull contract amid ongoing speculation about his future.
- F1 Insider unveils clause allowing Verstappen to leave if Helmut Marko departs, adding complexity to his decision-making.
Recent reports reveal that the 3x world champion Max Verstappen possesses an exit option in his Red Bull contract. This disclosure came amid ongoing discussions surrounding Verstappen’s future with the Austrian outfit, intensified by controversies involving team principal Christian Horner. Speculation within the Formula 1 community has been rampant regarding his tenure due to internal tensions.
It has been about a month since the investigation against Horner was launched. Right after the team boss was given a clean slate, a new controversy emerged where some of Horner’s private chats were made public. Alleged leaks have further complicated matters, reigniting debates during the Bahrain Grand Prix. The issue was worsened when Max Verstappen’s father Jos got involved in team matters.
Red Bull contract clause: Key to Verstappen’s departure
F1 Insider has now unveiled a clause within Verstappen’s contract allowing him to depart immediately should Helmut Marko leave the team. This clause brought some additional complexity to the ongoing sequence of events. It suggested that the Dutchman could choose to stick around at Milton Keynes or not, based on factors beyond mere performance and results.
There is allegedly an exit clause in Max Verstappen’s contract that allows him to leave Red Bull if Helmut Marko does.
Marko said: “As far as I’m concerned, I won’t get in Max’s way.”.
Toto Wolff now sees a real chance to put Verstappen in a Mercedes next year.
[@F1insidercom] pic.twitter.com/tAZkgcV7cB
— Mercedes-AMG F1 News (@MercedesNewsUK) March 4, 2024
While Max Verstappen’s ongoing contract extends until the 2028 season, this exit clause could change the narrative. When the media questioned Marko regarding the same, he replied, “I’m sticking to my ‘No Comment!’ here as well. The fact is that there is a great relationship of trust between Max and me.” However, when the Red Bull advisor was questioned on Horner’s inquiry, he again stated, “I won’t say anything about that until the case is finally closed.”
On the other hand, Jos Verstappen has shown his dissatisfaction with Horner. Verstappen Sr wishes to oust the Briton from the team. The new developments, one after another, are adding fuel to the fire and pushing the reigning champion out of the team.
Max Verstappen speaks out on potential Red Bull exit
The British sensation Lewis Hamilton announced his departure from Mercedes as he will join forces with Ferrari from 2025 onwards. Termed as the ‘biggest transfer’ in F1 history, Hamilton’s move has caused a major reshuffle within the teams. It has also led to further speculations regarding Verstappen’s stance and plans with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
📰: Christian Horner holds talks with Max Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen to ease tensions at Red Bull. Meeting in Dubai aims to address escalating concerns. Sources say discussions ‘went well’ amid pressure on Horner’s role. #F1 #SaudiArabianGP pic.twitter.com/uCMerwF1qF
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) March 4, 2024
Amidst a tumultuous week for Red Bull, Horner, accompanied by Verstappen’s manager and other essential figures, gathered in Dubai to confront internal tensions. Despite heated exchanges witnessed between Horner and Jos Verstappen during the weekend, reports indicate that the Dubai meeting ended on a positive note.
However, the 26-year-old driver had to tackle some of the speculations on the matter and he said, “I don’t want to sound disrespectful or whatever. I mean, I have a lot of respect for the brand Ferrari, but I’m very happy where I am at the moment. So I’m comfortable in the environment that I’m in, so for me it’s not something that I’m looking for, to change or whatever.”
While Verstappen claims that he is comfortable with his partnership with Red Bull, the contemporary developments could make him change his mind.