One journalist reckons that Max Verstappen will have a ‘get-out’ clause in his Red Bull contract, but it won’t be active just yet.
Verstappen’s deal with the reigning champions runs until 2028, but there have been rumours about his future in the early part of the season.
And speaking on the Missed Apex F1 Podcast, journalist Joe Saward predicted when he could depart.
Verstappen has been with Red Bull since he was 16, having joined their junior academy during his days in Euro F3.
They made him the youngest driver in the sport’s history when they placed him at Toro Rosso for the 2015 season.
Nine years on, Verstappen is looking to become just the fourth driver in F1 history to win four titles with a single team after Michael Schumacher (Ferrari), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull).
The Dutchman has won the last three championships but his triumph last year was the most dominant in the sport’s history as he won 19 out of 22 races.
He leads this year’s championship, despite retiring from the Australian Grand Prix, thanks to his wins in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
Max Verstappen likely has 2026 get-out clause
Saward is confident that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull until at least the end of the 2025 season.
He remains the overwhelming favourite to win the title both this year and next year if he stays put.
However, he could potentially move on in 2026 if his team don’t manage to ace the new regulations.
There will be significant changes to the power units, with the MGU-H removed and sustainable fuels introduced.
Red Bull will use Ford-branded engines after signing an agreement last year.
Saward said of Verstappen: “He has a contract until 2028, but there’s bound to be a get-out clause in 2026.
“There’s no point in giving away a world championship this year and probably next year. You don’t do stuff like that.”
He later added: “I think he will go on winning until he gets his new car in 2026 with a new engine, and if that doesn’t work, then I can see him quitting.”
Will Verstappen join Mercedes?
While Aston Martin reportedly view Verstappen as a feasible target, it’s Mercedes who appear to be leading the race if he becomes available.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton is leaving the Silver Arrows at the end of the year to join Ferrari.
Toto Wolff personally wants Verstappen to succeed the 39-year-old at the Brackley outfit.
The 26-year-old apparently ‘appreciates’ Mercedes’ interest as he looks to sustain his dominance heading into a new era.
However, in a blow to Wolff, it’s thought that Verstappen remains committed to Red Bull for the time being despite holding informal talks.
If Mercedes think Verstappen may be available in 2026 instead, that could lead them to explore a possible stop-gap.
Former reserve driver Esteban Ocon is one name who could fit that bill, as could veteran and double world champion Fernando Alonso.
Wolff could theoretically hand a one-year deal to either driver before moving them aside for Verstappen.
The post ‘There’s bound to be’: Journalist shares when probable ‘get-out clause’ could see Max Verstappen quit Red Bull appeared first on F1 Oversteer.