Max Verstappen’s place at Red Bull beyond 2025 has become clearer after the details of his exit clause were disclosed. Despite ongoing upheaval within Red Bull’s management in 2025, Verstappen cannot activate his contractual option to leave the team this year. This restriction comes amid significant shifts including the replacement of team principal Christian Horner by Laurent Mekies between the Silverstone and Spa rounds. Pressure is mounting on Red Bull to hold on to the four-time world champion as Mercedes shows renewed interest.
According to Austrian broadcaster ORF, Verstappen’s escape clause — which would allow him to depart before his contract runs out in 2028 — is currently inoperative. ORF reported:
“The escape clause that could give Verstappen a departure from Red Bull during the season does not apply this year. Verstappen should have been outside the top three of the World Championship standings halfway through the year – so around this time. But the Belgian-born 27-year-old is third ahead of travelling to Spa.”
The broadcaster further noted,
“Next year, however, that ‘window’ will open again.”
Reasons for Verstappen’s expected stay at Red Bull in 2026
It appears logical for Max Verstappen to continue with Red Bull into 2026, especially with new technical regulations set to reshape Formula 1’s competitive landscape. While Mercedes is widely predicted to excel with the upcoming engine rules, uncertainty remains over whether they will challenge for the title, leading Verstappen to wait before making any future moves. Starting in 2026, Red Bull will shift to producing their own power units after the Honda partnership ended, now collaborating with the American company Ford.
The team itself has transformed heavily in recent years. Key figures like Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, and Jonathan Wheatley have either left or moved to rival teams, drastically altering Red Bull’s internal structure. Whether this overhaul will cause a collapse of Red Bull’s championship-winning capabilities remains unclear. Nonetheless, Verstappen is unlikely to delay decisions about his future while the new management settles in.
Impact of Red Bull’s management changes and Verstappen’s future decisions
The departure of stalwart personnel and leadership changes contribute to a tense environment within Red Bull as the team approaches a critical transitional phase. Verstappen’s 2025 season standing effectively locks him with Red Bull through the year, but next season provides the first opportunity to reconsider his position when his exit clause becomes active again. How the team adapts to the new power unit regulations and internal changes will be crucial factors influencing the four-time world champion’s next move.
This situation adds to ongoing drama in Formula 1, where shifts in team leadership and technical partnerships significantly affect championship dynamics. Verstappen’s Red Bull future holds high stakes not only for the team but also for the wider rivalry, particularly with Mercedes aiming to rebound.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Verstappen is believed to have a net worth of approximately $200 million.
Q. Is Max Verstappen rich?
A. Max Verstappen: $217 million (£163m) After joining the Red Bull Racing team in 2016, he consistently performed well, eventually becoming the F1 world champion in 2021. His impressive win confirmed his status as one of the top drivers in the sport. He continued his success by winning the title again in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On Saturday, Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet announced the birth of their baby girl, Lily. Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner, stated that Lily’s arrival will not affect Verstappen’s racing abilities.
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl, Lily. Before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, they revealed they were expecting. Lily joins the family as a younger sister to Piquet’s daughter, Penelope.
