Rumors of Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull have gained significant attention for several reasons. The GmbH board recently considered the situation as absolution just before the Bahrain GP. However, after the conclusion of FP sessions on Thursday, leaked documents regarding the British driver’s investigation caused a stir in the paddock. As a result, details of Verstappen’s contract have emerged, indicating that he has the option to leave the team immediately.
Publicly, Verstappen’s father expressed his belief that if the Englishman remains in the team, it will lead to his decline. This statement was followed by a sighting of Verstappen’s father with a representative from another team, fueling speculation that the Dutch driver could join them. This raises the question of whether the reigning champion would actually leave the team, despite being contracted with the Austrian manufacturer until the end of the 2028 season.
However, another individual shared their perspective on the ongoing situation at Red Bull. According to this source, there is an exit clause in Verstappen’s contract that allows him to leave the team immediately if Helmut Marko, a key figure at Red Bull, also departs. Marko himself stated that he will not prevent Verstappen from leaving. This clause creates an intriguing dynamic within the team, as their CEO/team principal faces accusations while their star driver contemplates his future.
Verstappen, who is currently the most sought-after driver in Formula 1, has attracted interest from other teams in case he decides to leave Red Bull. Despite the ongoing turbulence, Verstappen commented on the situation, praising Christian Horner, the team principal, for his dedication and commitment to the team. Verstappen believes that Horner will continue to give his best, despite the accusations surrounding him.
Meanwhile, the saga at Red Bull continues, with several team principals calling for a thorough investigation by the FIA due to lack of transparency. Horner’s future as team principal remains uncertain, and it will soon be revealed whether he will continue in his role or not.