Red Bull F1 rival set to leap on Max Verstappen decision

Red Bull could be the victims of the driver poaching job of the decade, if Max Verstappen activates the exit clause which reports have claimed exists in his contract.

The four-time world champion is contracted through the end of the 2028 season but could be available if he activates a 'performance clause' in his contract, with Aston Martin heading the list of suitors despite their insistence that they're committed to Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso.

Amid his fourth championship campaign last season, it was reported that the terms which could have seen Verstappen leave the team came under the clause that if Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko left the team, so could Verstappen.

Despite pledging his signature to a contract with Red Bull, the exit clause which could reportedly come into play this season concerns what happens if Verstappen sits outside the top three in the drivers' championship by the time the summer break rolls around, which could see him go against his current commitment if true.

Even Red Bull's own Dr Marko believes the reigning champion won't hang around at the team if they can no longer provide him with machinery that is capable of competing for a fifth consecutive title, and Aston Martin appear ready to pounce.

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Max Verstappen set for big decision

Should Verstappen announce his intention to leave Red Bull ahead of 2026, his signature would be the top prize many teams in the paddock long to acquire.

Much like Lewis Hamilton or Carlos Sainz last season, Verstappen's decision could be the piece of the puzzle that many F1 teams are waiting on before solidifying their own driver lineups ahead of the regulations overhaul next year.

Verstappen would no doubt have his pick of the bunch when selecting the team he thinks are most likely to deliver a chance at further championship success and although many teams appear comfortable with their driver duos, you can never say never in F1!

According to the latest report from The Times, "Aston Martin are understood to be one of those who have expressed interest in him."

Mercedes are another you can never truly rule out as Toto Wolff is yet to confirm the future of number one driver George Russell, with contract negotiations understood to be taking place currently.

Despite the Silverstone-based team frequently confirming they are happy with their current lineup of Alonso and Stroll, Aston Martin have the one person Verstappen knows he can almost always rely on to make a car more competitive- Adrian Newey.

With Newey now firmly settled in at Lawrence Stroll's team and championship success consistently listed as their top priority as the new regulations come in, could Aston Martin really resist the allure of a champion whose partnership with Newey has been tried and tested?

When the result is four drivers' titles and two constructors' trophies, surely the temptation is too much to resist.

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