These are hot days
Max Verstappen and Red Bull have rarely experienced difficult moments like the one following the British Grand Prix, which ended with the Dutch champion retiring due to a recurring technical problem with the rear wing.
The Verstappen camp immediately made itself heard through Oliver Mintzlaff and Laurent Mekies, and the four-time world champion himself seemed really fed up with his Red Bull.
And even from the Anglo-Austrian team, a certain impatience has leaked out regarding the attitude of their driver, who is effectively holding the team hostage by not confirming what he will do in 2027.
Lately, there has often been talk of a possible move to McLaren for Max, with Oscar Piastri going the other way. A path that could really open up, in a sensational way.
Read more F1 Calendar, Domenicali wants to recover Bahrain between Baku and Singapore. But there is a deadline
Verstappen’s clause
With the ‘zero’ scored at Silverstone, Max Verstappen is certain to arrive at the summer break outside the top 2 in the championship, a circumstance that would allow him to say goodbye to Red Bull earlier than the natural contract expiry set for the end of 2028.
The BBC then hinted that this type of clauses, even once the desire to activate them is expressed, can actually only take effect in autumn.
Never before has Max been more able to make use of his early termination clause.
Backstory: there is also Piastri’s clause
The puzzle could be completed by swapping the pieces of Verstappen and Piastri, with the former at McLaren and the latter at Red Bull. And the move could also be facilitated here by a release clause, as told by Erik Van Haren in the De Telegraaf podcast: “Piastri is losing positions in the standings. I know he has a termination clause in his contract near the summer break. He is currently sixth in the world championship, so the situation could be quite favorable for him.”
Read more F1 Calendar, Domenicali wants to recover Bahrain between Baku and Singapore. But there is a deadline
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The Brazilians from Grande Premio went further, explaining that Oscar Piastri would have already communicated to McLaren his desire to change scenery using the clause. Mark Webber – the Australian’s manager – would then use his good offices at Red Bull to secure a lead driver contract for his client, after the internal tensions experienced in 2025.
Read more F1 Calendar, Domenicali wants to recover Bahrain between Baku and Singapore. But there is a deadline
