US EditionWhy Max Verstappen can't join Mercedes despite Red Bull exit clause
- Amid reported interest from Mercedes, Red Bull confirmed on Monday that Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 champion, will drive for them in 2026.
- A performance-related release clause in Verstappen’s contract would allow early exit if he was outside the top-three at the F1 summer break, running until 2028.
- This weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix is the final race before the break, and with Verstappen third and 28 points ahead of George Russell, his clause cannot activate.
- Mercedes are expected to stick with their current lineup, as buying out Verstappen’s contract is not under consideration, according to sources.
- In recent weeks, speculation has ramped up after Toto Wolff revealed he was in talks with Max Verstappen, despite Red Bull dismissing Christian Horner this month.
14 Articles
14 Articles
After the race weekend in Belgium, Max Verstappen has dealt against the red-bull bosses. He doesn't want to hear about a title defense and endurance slogans anymore. "Helmut doesn't sit in the car," he counters the battle announcements of chief advisor Marko. Red Bull is experiencing a turbulent season: driver change, problems with the car and the team boss quake and Christian Horner. But it's particularly painful: the successful racing stable t…
The future of Max Verstappen has been the subject of discussions over and over again. Now it is clear for which racing stable the world champion is driving in 2026.
Red Bull Chief Candid on RB21 Upgrades
Red Bull’s new team principal has voiced strong optimism about the latest upgrades to the RB21, insisting they could turn the tide in a fiercely competitive 2025 Formula 1 season. Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, the boss highlighted how these changes address key handling woes that have dogged the car since early races. “We’ve listened to the data and the drivers,” he said. “This package isn’t just tweaks—it’s a real step forward in bal…
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