Max Verstappen ‘to trigger Red Bull contract clause’ as huge team decision made | F1 | Sport

Max Verstappen is reportedly set to trigger a contract extension that will see him stay at Red Bull for the 2026 season. The reigning world champion, who has won the previous four Drivers’ Championship titles, has been linked with a move away from Red Bull.

Verstappen is under contract with the Milton Keynes-based outfit until 2028, but his deal was said to have been renegotiated last year following a reported power struggle at Red Bull. It was claimed there had been a clause that would’ve allowed him to leave in the event of an exit for advisor and close friend Helmut Marko, but that is no longer the case.

It’s reported by Autosport that Verstappen has a clause in his deal that will see him stick around for the 2026 season, as long as he’s in the top four of the Drivers’ Championship standings at the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen is sitting third in the table, 57 points ahead of Charles Leclerc, who is ranked fifth following Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix.

That backdoor exit clause, which would’ve allowed him to join a new constructor ahead of next season, will be nullified by his strong placing in the standings come the summer break. Verstappen has been linked to both Aston Martin and Mercedes, but cold water appears to have been poured on any potential move following the latest reported development.

Marko was quizzed on Verstappen’s future at the recent Monaco Grand Prix, stating: “Summer break, same story. Everything is far too early. He has a contract until 2028.

“All contracts have clauses which are mainly on performance, but that’s not relevant at the moment. No, we hope that we bring the necessary quality of our car, then all these discussions are gone… At the moment everything is clear. He also said he wants to fulfil this contract. But we have to deliver a car which makes him winning, or at least have a chance to fight for the championships.”

Red Bull figures, including team principal Christian Horner, have fielded questions on the driver throughout the season. Speaking ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix back in April, the Red Bull chief said: “You said there’s been a lot of noise… the noise has been out there and not in here.

“Max has been working very hard with the team. He’s stated once again that his focus is here. He’s working incredibly hard, together collectively with the rest of the team, and we’re a team. We win together and we lose together – that’s the way we operate.”