Red Bull’s senior leadership is reportedly divided over how best to secure Max Verstappen’s future, as speculation surrounding the four-time world champion continues to intensify. According to reports from Germany, some influential figures within the organisation support removing Verstappen’s exit clause, while others believe such a move would be unnecessary and costly.
Verstappen remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season. However, it has long been understood that performance-related clauses could allow the Dutchman to leave before then under certain circumstances, making his future one of Formula 1’s biggest ongoing stories.
Red Bull exploring ways to protect Verstappen contract
German newspaper Bild claims that one proposal under discussion would involve buying out those clauses altogether. The objective would be to eliminate any contractual mechanism that could allow Verstappen to depart if Red Bull’s competitive decline continues.
The report comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Milton Keynes-based team’s long-term prospects, as it prepares for Formula 1’s major regulation changes in 2027.
Chalerm Yoovidhya and Oliver Mintzlaff reportedly disagree
According to Bild, Red Bull majority shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya is among those pushing for stronger contractual protection against a Verstappen departure.
The report states that Yoovidhya favours neutralising the exit clauses to reduce the risk of losing the team’s star driver.
However, Bild also claims that Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is not convinced such a move represents the best use of resources. The German executive reportedly believes Verstappen has limited realistic alternatives, and that spending a significant sum to alter the contract may not be necessary.
The differing positions highlight the importance Red Bull places on retaining Verstappen, as the team attempts to navigate a challenging period on and off the track.
Mercedes links continue despite Wolff’s comments
Speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has largely centred on Mercedes.
Although Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has repeatedly expressed admiration for Verstappen in recent years, he recently indicated satisfaction with his current driver line-up of George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Those comments appeared to cool immediate rumours of a move, but they have not completely ended speculation that Mercedes could emerge as a destination should Verstappen become available.
As a result, Red Bull continues to face questions about how it intends to secure its most valuable asset for the long term.
Every race weekend will generate scrutiny
The discussion surrounding Verstappen’s contract has gained momentum because of Red Bull’s struggles during the 2026 season.
After seven rounds, Verstappen sits seventh in the Drivers’ Championship, with 55 points. Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli has already amassed 156 points, leaving the Dutchman facing a significant deficit.
Several reports have suggested that Verstappen’s contractual provisions could be linked to championship performance, although the precise details remain confidential.
With Red Bull no longer competing consistently at the front of the grid, every race weekend is likely to generate further scrutiny over both Verstappen’s future and the team’s ability to convince him that its long-term project remains capable of delivering championship success.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
