F1 News: Max Verstappen Red Bull Exit Clause Revealed
Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko has revealed that just like any other driver, Max Verstappen's contract has an exit clause, which he could use to explore other options, even though it officially expires at the end of 2028. But the question is, will he ever be compelled to use the exit clause in case he's offered a lot more money?
Key Takeaways:
- Red Bull's Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen's contract has an exit clause despite officially ending in 2028.
- Verstappen prioritizes performance over money, likely staying with Red Bull if they provide a competitive car.
- Marko suggests there's currently no better team than Red Bull for Verstappen, emphasizing their ability to offer a championship-winning car, demonstrated in the RB19, and Verstappen's strong performance in the upgraded RB20 during pre-season testing.
Marko suggested that for a Formula 1 driver like Max Verstappen, performance would triumph over money matters, and thus, he would most likely stay with the team as long as he can race for victories.
However, with the driver market all shaken up after Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes exit for Ferrari in 2025, and with 13 driver contracts expiring toward the end of the 2024 season, Verstappen's future with the Milton Keynes outfit came under the scanner.
Speaking on Verstappen's likelihood of leaving Red Bull in case he was offered a larger sum of money, Marko told Servus TV:
“As in every Formula 1 contract, there are clauses if certain success quality criteria are not met.
“These are also included in Max's contract.
“I don't think an incomprehensible amount of money is an issue for Max.
“If we are not in a position to provide him with a car that is capable of winning…of course he's interested in success as a racing driver.
“You don't get any younger.
“And if he doesn't see the light with Red Bull and these criteria come into play, then it's quite clear that he'll look around.
“But where would there be something better?"
Marko implies that currently, there isn't a more superior team in Formula 1 than Red Bull, capable of providing Max Verstappen with a championship-winning car, akin to the RB19 from the previous year. With three world championships secured with Red Bull, Verstappen showcased his prowess during last week's pre-season testing in the enhanced RB20 F1 car.
