Max Verstappen's contract clause could trigger early Red Bull exit after Barcelona GP

A clause in Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull allows unilateral termination if the driver is not among the top two in the championship standings by the summer break. After finishing fourth at the Barcelona Grand Prix, Verstappen trails the leader by 101 points with only four races and a sprint remaining before the pause, making the clause increasingly likely to be invoked.

Verstappen, whose contract runs until the end of 2028, has not confirmed staying beyond 2026. Discussions about extending his stay include possible offers such as a share in the Racing Bulls operation, but Red Bull has indicated no guarantee of his continuation. The situation reflects broader concerns within the team after recent performance declines.

The development involves the Dutch driver, the Austrian‑British Red Bull Racing team based in Milton Keynes, and potential contractual negotiations that could reshape the team's driver lineup for the 2026 season.