Red Bull wants to buy out Verstappen exit clause - report
"We have a contract until 2028"
Red Bull is reportedly trying to remove the uncertainty surrounding Max Verstappen’s future by buying out the exit clause in his contract.
According to Germany’s Bild newspaper, the subject was discussed at the high-level Salzburg meeting earlier this month involving Verstappen, manager Raymond Vermeulen, Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz, majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and team boss Laurent Mekies.
The report claims Red Bull’s leadership is increasingly concerned about the possibility of Verstappen activating a performance-related release clause later this year.
Although the Dutchman’s contract runs until 2028, Bild says the clause could remain active until October.
Red Bull is reportedly considering offering a low double-digit million euro payment to eliminate the option altogether.
Manager Vermeulen did little to dampen the speculation.
"We have a contract until 2028," he said. "Of course, there are release clauses, there always have been. But we’ve never exercised one.
"We’ve always been loyal and will remain so."
However, he made clear that competitiveness remains the key issue.
"We want to continue our journey with Red Bull and Max wants to end his career here - but of course, with the opportunity to win."
Vermeulen also suggested a decision may not be far away. "We want the decision to be made soon so everyone knows where they stand," he said.
"It could be made before the summer break."
Bild says Red Bull’s concern is that losing Verstappen would leave the team without a comparable replacement at short notice.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher thinks confidence between Verstappen and Red Bull may already be eroding. "I feel like they’ve lost a little faith in each other," he told Sky Deutschland.
Schumacher claims Red Bull recently tried to secure Verstappen beyond 2028.
"Apparently, Max refused and said, ’I don’t need that right now. I have a contract until 2028 anyway. I want to wait and see’."
The German also believes Red Bull is quietly preparing contingency plans.
"It’s clear who they’re talking about - Piastri," Schumacher said, referring to reported discussions between Mateschitz and Oscar Piastri’s manager, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber.