Dutch F1 insider reveals new information on Max Verstappen Red Bull exit clause

Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has offered a fascinating new insight regarding a potential exit clause that exists in fellow Dutchman Max Verstappen's Red Bull contract.

The four-time champion is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, but reports in recent months have suggested that he has a get-out clause based on his performance in the drivers' standings.

However, Doornbos has now suggested that whilst an exit clause 'one hundred thousand percent' exists, it is more to do with the team's performance in the constructors' standings and their ability to provide him with a championship-challenging car.

"That's when Red Bull is no longer in the top three in the constructors," Doornbos told Ziggo Sport's Race Cafe. "And which I know, which is one hundred thousand per cent in it.

"Because if a constructor can't deliver anymore, then Max can't deliver either, and Red Bull is fourth in the constructors'."

READ MORE: FIA confirm Mercedes F1 star set for punishment

Will Verstappen leave Red Bull?

With Red Bull dropping to fourth in the constructors' standings and Verstappen down in P3 in the drivers' championship, Mercedes appears to be the more attractive team heading into the era of new regulations in 2026.

Both Mercedes drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, are set to be out of contract at the end of this current season, and this could present team chief Toto Wolff with an opportunity to land the four-time champion.

As for Red Bull, they have consistently reiterated that Verstappen is indeed under contract until 2028, and the Dutchman has still been able to claim two race victories in 2025.

However, his dreams of claiming a record-equalling fifth consecutive world drivers' title appear to be over, with a DNF in Austria meaning he is now 61 points behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri in the drivers' championship.

READ MORE: F1 champion announces RETIREMENT plans

Related

Formula 1

Helmut Marko confirms Red Bull driver set for run out at British Grand Prix

• Yesterday 19:00

Formula 1

Red Bull driver sent dire warning after Austrian Grand Prix disaster

• Yesterday 03:00