Recent rumors about Max Verstappen’s contract containing an exit clause with Red Bull have stirred considerable discussion throughout the Formula 1 paddock. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, publicly dismissed these claims as baseless, reacting strongly to speculation fueled by former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos in the days following the Austrian Grand Prix.
Verstappen has been closely tied to Red Bull since his early career, having joined their junior program and later rising to their main Formula 1 team in 2016. The partnership has flourished, making them one of the sport’s most successful driver-team combinations. While Verstappen’s contract reportedly runs through 2028, recent Red Bull struggles on track have sparked fresh talk about his potential future beyond the team.
Robert Doornbos recently intensified these rumors by stating that there is a clause in Verstappen’s contract allowing him to leave if Red Bull falls outside the top three in constructors’ standings. He told Racing News 365,
“The other clause stipulates that Verstappen can leave if Red Bull is not in the top three constructors. I know that, it’s 100% sure of it. Because if a team can’t deliver anymore, then a driver can’t deliver anymore.”
In response, Jos Verstappen expressed frustration on social media, condemning the spread of unsubstantiated stories. He wrote,
“They all think they know everything. They just shout something without any basis. And Racing News 365 just writes down everything. This has nothing to do with news. Total nonsense.”
The speculation over Verstappen’s future with the Milton Keynes-based team remained a hot topic during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.
Verstappen’s Frustration Grows Amid Persistent Contract Rumors
In the 2025 Formula 1 season so far, Max Verstappen has won two races, standing as one of only four drivers with multiple victories. However, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri leads the championship, having secured five wins during the first half of the season. Verstappen’s situation became more challenging after retiring from the Austrian GP, which widened his points gap to 61 behind Piastri.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the rumors, shedding light on Verstappen’s reaction. Speaking at the Austrian GP, Horner remarked to Sky Sports F1,
“It’s a lot of noise. I think Max [Verstappen] gets quite annoyed by it and we’re very clear with the contract that we have with Max until 2028, so anything is entirely speculative that is being said. But we tend not to pay too much attention to it.”
Despite the setbacks, Verstappen has gathered 155 points over 11 races, maintaining his status as a key contender this season.
The Impact and Outlook on Verstappen’s Position in Formula 1
The rumors regarding Max Verstappen’s Red Bull exit clause highlight the pressure surrounding the reigning world champion amid his team’s performance challenges. Jos Verstappen’s blunt dismissal of such claims underscores the family’s intent to quell uncertainty and maintain focus on racing. Meanwhile, Christian Horner’s reaffirmation of the contract until 2028 aims to stabilize both the driver’s commitment and team morale.
As the 2025 season progresses, Verstappen’s ability to recover ground against leaders like Oscar Piastri will be pivotal. The ongoing speculation could affect both fan expectations and internal team dynamics, but Red Bull’s leadership continues to express confidence in their driver. How Verstappen and Red Bull respond on track will likely determine the future of their notable partnership.
