Max Verstappen considers Red Bull exit as contract clauses trigger
Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 season after performance-related exit clauses in his contract were reportedly triggered by the team’s poor start to the campaign.
The Dutchman’s current deal runs until the conclusion of 2028, but he is now believed to have a clear early exit route.
Speculation surrounding his future has intensified in recent days, fuelled by his open dissatisfaction with the sport’s incoming technical regulations.
Retirement remains a possibility
The reigning world champion has been a vocal critic of the new generation of Formula 1 cars scheduled for introduction in 2026.
He has expressed significant concerns over the massive new emphasis on battery harvesting and power deployment.
Following the Chinese Grand Prix in March, the Red Bull driver even admitted that early retirement from motorsport was a very real possibility.
Social media fuels McLaren rumours
The rumour mill went into overdrive this week following a cryptic social media post from former Formula 1 broadcaster Will Buxton.
Hearing a big announcement is on the way before the end of the day. If it is what I think it is, it’s absolutely massive.
Fans immediately drew parallels to Buxton’s similar posts ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s shock switch to Ferrari in January.
Many expected a similar bombshell, with recent media reports suggesting a potential switch to reigning constructors’ champions McLaren in place of Oscar Piastri.
However, the anticipated announcement actually related to series legend Scott Dixon joining McLaren’s IndyCar operation next year.
Despite the false alarm, the revelation of active exit clauses ensures that the future of Formula 1’s biggest star will remain a major talking point.