Max Verstappen’s immediate future at Red Bull is becoming increasingly secure, with a key contract clause set to close if he remains in the top four of the Formula 1 world championship by the end of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver is currently third in the standings with 136 points, holding a 57-point lead over fifth-placed Charles Leclerc.
Should Verstappen still hold a margin of at least 50 points over fifth place by the end of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, a performance-based release clause in his deal will no longer be active.
According to Motorsport.com, this clause is believed to give him the option to leave Red Bull, but only if he falls outside the top four by the end of June.
Verstappen’s current contract runs until 2028, and while it originally contained an exit trigger linked to the departure of Helmut Marko, that particular provision has since been removed.
The remaining clause, based on his championship position, is now the last possible route out of the team, at least for 2026.
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Why Verstappen’s stay at Red Bull now looks inevitable
Speculation about Verstappen’s next move has been a recurring theme over the past year. During the winter, there were persistent rumours linking him to a big-money move to Aston Martin, but those talks have cooled.
More recently, focus has shifted to Mercedes, where contract negotiations with George Russell have reportedly been slower than expected. Still, Verstappen’s current form makes it increasingly likely that he will eliminate his own exit option.
If he finishes the Austrian Grand Prix weekend within the top four in the standings, something that looks very probable given his strong lead, his stay at Red Bull for 2026 will be guaranteed.
Meanwhile, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff addressed the situation around Russell’s contract during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend.
“George and I are totally clear of how this is going to go, and 100% alignment,” Wolff said. “There is no such thing as dragging this on because that’s not what we do.”
Red Bull will see this as a major win. Holding onto their star driver through the upcoming 2026 regulation changes offers a level of continuity and competitiveness that could prove vital.
With Verstappen’s clause expiring ahead of the summer break, Red Bull can move forward with confidence that their lead driver is committed to their long-term project.
Unless a dramatic swing in the championship occurs over the next two race weekends, Verstappen’s presence at Red Bull is almost certain to continue into 2026.
What is the clause in Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract?
It allows him to leave if he’s outside the top four in the drivers’ standings after the Austrian Grand Prix, but only until the end of June.
How many points ahead of fifth does Verstappen need to secure Red Bull future?
He needs to remain at least 50 points ahead of fifth place by the end of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Is Max Verstappen still being linked with other teams?
A: While Aston Martin rumours have cooled, speculation about a Mercedes switch has persisted—though his Red Bull future now looks more certain.
