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Max Verstappen’s Contract Length and Why an Early Exit Is Still Possible

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Apr 19, 2025 4:52 AM ET

Max Verstappen’s F1 future remains a hot topic of speculation as Red Bull navigates a turbulent start to the 2025 season. The Dutch driver, a four-time world champion, is currently contracted with Red Bull Racing until the end of 2028—a deal signed in early 2022 following his first world title.Yet the length of Verstappen’s contract hasn’t stopped paddock from buzzing about a potentially early exit, especially amid growing turmoil at the Milton Keynes-based team.

Red Bull’s early-season struggles—marked by a disappointing showing in Bahrain and rising tensions behind the scenes—have reignited interest in Verstappen’s exit clause. According to Sky Sports, Verstappen’s long-term deal includes performance-based clauses that could allow Verstappen to leave if key figures depart or if the team fails to deliver.

The 2025 campaign hasn’t started in Red Bull’s favor. With McLaren and Ferrari threatening their dominance, Verstappen’s frustration has become more visible—both on track and off it. Behind the scenes, team dynamics are also under scrutiny.

After a botched pit stop in Bahrain, Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was reportedly seen having a stern exchange with Helmut Marko. Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has since flown to Jeddah for urgent talks with team leaders, further raising eyebrows.

Though Mercedes boss Toto Wolff once admitted he’d sign Verstappen “in a heartbeat” he has downplayed any pursuit ahead of the season opener in Australia. Wolff had clarified that Verstappen is no longer on the team’s radar. But that hasn’t stopped the rumors from resurfacing.

George Russell, who is in the final year of his current contract at Mercedes, said, “When wouldn’t they want to sign Max? It’s totally understandable. He’s the best at the moment. He’s a four-time world champion. That’s not anything against me or Kimi[Antonelli]. There’s two for every team and he is one person.”

Russell added that he is ‘not concerned’ by the speculation, noting, “his performance is his currency.”

| Taking a sabbatical could be an option for Max Verstappen in 2026, according to @andrewbensonf1.

This option would give Verstappen a chance to assess the field before committing to a team for 2027. pic.twitter.com/dde7uTdxLr
— formularacers (@formularacers_) April 19, 2025

Meanwhile, Sky’s Ted Kravitz believes Aston Martin may be a better fit. He argued, “There has to be… a cultural fit for Max. I see that happening more [with Aston] if Honda will be as good as the Mercedes power unit in 2026.”

Verstappen, however, downplayed it all in Saudi Arabia: “A lot of people are talking about it—except me.” For now, he remains Red Bull’s golden boy. But in F1, even the longest contracts are only as strong as the next race result.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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