Verstappen 'get out clause' in Red Bull contract revealed

Helmut Marko admits that Max Verstappen's Red Bull future isn't as watertight as may have been initially thought.

As with many parties involved in Formula One at present, Honda have yet to confirm that they will be a part of the sport going forwards into 2021 and beyond. With Honda having proven in 2019 that they can give Verstappen the power that he needs to be a Grand Prix winner, there is a performance clause in the Dutchman's contract where, if Honda decide to leave and a unit of equal power cannot be found to fill the space, Verstappen's Red Bull exit would be possible.

Head of the Red Bull driver development program and the man who watched over Verstappen's progress through the ranks, Helmut Marko, says that he is confident Honda will elect to stay as Verstappen's contract shows a commitment from Red Bull to Honda in the form of a top class driver.

“We have a contract with Honda until 2021, but obviously being without an engine for the future it would complicate all our plans. Consequently, it is clear that we need a competitive engine to keep hold of Verstappen.

“We are however satisfied because this contract gives stability to the whole team and an incredible motivation.

“Our big goal for Max, who also started with us in Formula 1, is to make him the youngest world champion and is also fully shared by Honda.”

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