Max Verstappen can now formally trigger an ‘exit clause’ in his contract, to potentially leave Red Bull for 2027.
Following his DNF at the British Grand Prix, Verstappen has earned 76 points in the drivers’ championship, with RacingNews365 understanding that a clause exists in his deal to allow him to trigger an exit for 2027 if he is not within the top two in the standings by the summer break – after the Hungarian GP in two races’ time.
This means Verstappen can have a maximum of 126 points by the summer break, but Mercedes’ George Russell, who currently occupies second has 154 points, with Lewis Hamilton in third on 147.
It means the highest Verstappen can place is fourth – which could allow him to trigger the exit clause and depart for 2027.
Both Verstappen and Red Bull are keen to continue, with boss Laurent Mekies explaining that the best way to keep Verstappen is to provide him with a competitive car and to attract top engineering talent.
However, Verstappen has not firmly declared that he will stay, but faces limited options elsewhere on the grid.
The only realistic options for a race seat are Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Talks were initiated by the Verstappen camp with McLaren last week, but CEO Zak Brown has been firm that Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri will not leave, with Charles Leclerc signing a recent new deal to stay with Ferrari on improved monetary terms. Lewis Hamilton has signalled his intention to stay as well.
This leaves Mercedes, with the team openly courting Verstappen in the past, including in 2025, but given the success of Kimi Antonelli and a new contract for George Russell, including 2027, this appears to rule out Verstappen swapping Milton Keynes for Brackley.