New Max Verstappen exit clause bombshell: 'He would never agree'

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen and a new exit clause bombshell: 'He would never agree'

'No way Max would give up control'

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

Digital sports specialist running global brands for 30 years

Friday 21 August 2026 19:45

Make us your Google favorite

Leading Dutch F1 insider Erik van Haren believes Max Verstappen's blockbuster new Red Bull contract WILL contain an exit clause.

Verstappen's future has been in doubt in recent weeks with the exit clause in his previous deal becoming active when he reached the summer break outside the top two in the Drivers' championship standings.

That led to frenzied speculation that the 28-year-old superstar would end his 10-year spell with Red Bull, likely to move to either Mercedes or McLaren.

Article continues under video

On Thursday morning that F1 silly season speculation ended when Verstappen and Red Bull announced that the four-time world champion had signed a contract extension through to 2030 (his previous deal was due to expire in 2028).

The new deal, and 'the clause'

While it was unbridled joy in Milton Keynes and Salzburg, one question remained: This new deal, does it have an exit clause?

If the answer is affirmative, then this new contract changes little - apart from likely giving Verstappen improved financial terms. If it doesn't, the Dutchman has surprisingly ceded control of his future.

Van Haren believes that second scenario just would not happen, and he laid out why in his analysis of the deal for respected Dutch outlet De Telegraaf.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies answered only with 'it's our business' when asked about new clauses in Zandvoort on Thursday, but van Haren states: "It hardly makes sense that Verstappen signed a mega-contract this week without any clauses whatsoever.

Van Haren believes there WILL be an exit clause in Verstappen's new deal.

Van Haren: 'Verstappen will always have the ultimate say'

"Anyone who knows the Limburg native and his management knows he would never agree to such terms.

"Given his enormous stature in the sport, Verstappen will always have the ultimate say over his future."

The new deal likely enhances Verstappen's position as the highest paid driver in F1. His previous deal reportedly paid him $70million per season, ahead of Lewis Hamilton's $60million contract with Ferrari.

F1 HEADLINES: Aston Martin get a new owner, Lewis Hamilton contract extension imminent

F1 Max Verstappen