Verstappen\u2019s contract runs until the end of 2028<\/a>, but Red Bull<\/a> were well aware that a performance clause in his deal could have facilitated an early exit this winter.<\/p>\n However, once the Dutchman was guaranteed third in the drivers\u2019 championship<\/a> going into the summer break, it would have required a huge bid from a rival team to buy him out of his agreement.<\/p>\n Position Drivers’ Championship PointsPts 1 284 2 275 3 187 4 172 5 151 6 109 7 64 8 54 9 37 10 27 <\/p>\n That doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s tied down to drive for Red Bull for the next three-and-a-half years.<\/p>\n The upcoming 2026 regulation changes<\/a> are set to be a decisive moment in Red Bull\u2019s history.<\/p>\n The team are developing their own power units, via Red Bull Powertrains<\/a>, and are likely to be essential in determining whether next year is a success or failure.<\/p>\n Helmut Marko<\/a> has now suggested that Red Bull are at the mercy of Verstappen when it comes to his future and will offer him a level of flexibility that rivals and long-admirers, Mercedes<\/a>, would never agree to.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen\u2019s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend<\/a><\/p>\n Journalist Ronald Vording was speaking on the James Allen on F1 Podcast and discussing Verstappen\u2019s future.<\/p>\n He explained: \u201cThere\u2019s a huge risk, I would say, for a repeat of this year, having a really difficult season, especially with the Red Bull Powertrains project coming in.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, the luxury is that he has much more flexibility, because if he were to sign for, let\u2019s say, Mercedes, then they want to lock him in for, let\u2019s say, three, four, five years.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what if Mercedes is not the dominant force in 2026, then you cannot move again for 2027. That will be at least more tricky than now with the clauses in his contract at Red Bull.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother element is what if he completely doesn\u2019t like the 2026 regulations? I\u2019ve had this conversation with Helmut Marko. And Marko told me Max is the type of guy that after three, four, five races, if he really doesn\u2019t like it, he comes to my office and says, \u2018OK, here you\u2019ve got my contract, I\u2019m done with F1 and I\u2019m moving to endurance.\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s something he could theoretically do at Red Bull, but that is never going to work at Mercedes if Toto Wolff signed you to a $50m contract.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Who is Red Bull motorsport adviser Helmut Marko? Everything to know<\/a><\/p>\n What are Max Verstappen\u2019s options if he decides to leave Red Bull after 2026?<\/p>\n As explained above, Mercedes have been chasing Verstappen<\/a> for some time, and may be targeting a 2027 arrival if they\u2019re as dominant as many people expect them to be next year.<\/p>\n Aston Martin would also be an option for Verstappen<\/a>, and Ferrari might have a vacant seat if Lewis Hamilton doesn\u2019t trigger an extension<\/a> to his deal.<\/p>\n Talking about Verstappen\u2019s options, Vording continued: \u201cThe driver market towards 2027 is much more open than the one for 2026.<\/p>\n TEAMDRIVER 1DRIVER 2AlpinePierre GaslyN\/AAston MartinFernando AlonsoLance StrollAudiGabriel BortoletoNico HulkenbergCadillacN\/AN\/AFerrariCharles LeclercLewis HamiltonHaasEsteban OconOliver BearmanMcLarenLando NorrisOscar PiastriMercedesN\/AN\/ARacing BullsN\/AN\/ARed Bull RacingMax VerstappenN\/AWilliamsAlex AlbonCarlos Sainz2026 confirmed F1 drivers<\/p>\n \u201cFor 2026, we were all talking about Mercedes, but for 2027, there are, in theory, many more options.<\/p>\n \u201cAn Aston Martin reunion with Adrian Newey and Honda could be an option. Mercedes is most likely still an option.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you don\u2019t even know what\u2019s going to happen at Ferrari with Lewis Hamilton after 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, then he has more options and it\u2019s not gambling anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n The next 10 races are unlikely to see Verstappen suddenly try and force an exit for 2026, but they will set the tone going into next season.<\/p>\n![\"Helmut](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/GettyImages-2228169338-1024x680.jpg\")
Photo by Mark Sutton \u2013 Formula 1\/Formula 1 via Getty ImagesHelmut Marko says Red Bull will let Max Verstappen walk away from F1 if he doesn\u2019t like the 2026 regulations<\/p>\n