Max Verstappen's contract clash with Red Bull sparks transfer rumours

Four‑time world champion Max Verstappen has entered tense negotiations with Red Bull Racing over his contract that runs to 2028. Reports say Verstappen’s camp demanded a substantial salary increase – a base of about $65 million plus $11 million in bonuses – which the Austrian team rejected as “eye‑watering”. The dispute is amplified by a release clause that allows Verstappen to leave if he is not in the top two of the drivers’ standings before the summer break; after nine races he sits seventh.

Red Bull’s management was reportedly frustrated by Verstappen’s lack of a clear commitment, while the driver has said he is in no hurry to decide. The stalemate has fueled speculation of a move to other top teams, chiefly McLaren and Mercedes, with former drivers such as Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button suggesting the relationship may be beyond repair. Meetings between Verstappen, his manager Raymond Vermeulen and Red Bull officials in June failed to produce a definitive outcome, and comments from the paddock point to a possible shift away from Red Bull for the 2027 season.

The saga coincides with Red Bull’s on‑track struggles this season, including power‑unit issues and rear‑wing failures, and has become a dominant storyline in Formula 1 media worldwide.