There is a lot of talk in the Formula 1 paddock about Max Verstappen’s future with Red Bull, but a resolution could come soon.
If Max Verstappen doesn’t move outside the top four of the Drivers’ Championship by the time the Austrian GP is held on June 29, the expire in his contract will be closed, reports Autosport.
Verstappen’s contract will continue until the end of 2028 and last year it was updated so that if Helmut Marko leaves, it no longer gives Verstappen the possibility of leaving the team.
There are still two more events on the calendar, both in Spain and Canada. As of now, Verstappen is 57 points ahead of Charles Leclerc, who is placed fifth in the world championship.
If the Dutch retains a lead of at least 50 points after this weekend’s race in Barcelona, the clause will be officially closed.
Since the last year ended, both Mercedes and Aston Martin have been suggested as options for Verstappen if he were to leave Red Bull.
With George Russell’s contract set to be renewed in the near future and the huge budget poured into the green team from Silverstone at the beginning of the year, people began to talk about internal changes at Mercedes.
There are rumours that Verstappen may take a break from racing in 2026 and come back in 2027.
Since nothing final has been settled, cancelling another term in his departure agreement leaves Verstappen very close to continuing at Red Bull in 2023.
The link between Verstappen and Mercedes was strong for a while, but after appointing Kimi Antonelli to replace Lewis Hamilton’s position, Toto Wolff is now negotiating a new deal with George Russell.
The Spanish GP for Formula 1 will be run in Barcelona on May 30 to June 1 as part of the 2025 season.
