From farewell to renewal?
It is hard to say whether it is for a sincere rapprochement or for lack of mutual alternatives, but the paths of Max Verstappen and the Red Bull team – which seemed destined to separate definitively after the Silverstone weekend – could remain united. The German site Bild actually revealed that the Milton Keynes team has not at all given up the idea of losing its flagship driver and has even presented Verstappen with a contract extension offer. Currently, the agreement between the Dutch superstar and Red Bull expires at the end of 2028, but some exit clauses are known that would allow the four-time world champion to free himself already at the end of this season, releasing himself from the contract.
Read more Terruzzi celebrates Verstappen: “We must be grateful to him, he gives us adrenaline drips”
A few weeks ago, Red Bull’s intention to buy back Verstappen’s exit clause, paying him to waive it, had emerged. Now a new background story emerges: Red Bull would have offered its #3 a contract renewal that would extend the expiration to the end of 2029. Verstappen would see his current salary, estimated at about 65 million dollars a year (bonuses excluded), raised but in return he would have to give up the exit clause. According to what Bild wrote, Verstappen and his entire entourage are considering the offer, but without hurry. The champion from Hasselt is indeed ready to take all the time at his disposal before deciding what to do in 2027.
Uncertain times
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen recently declared to Bild: “We have a contract until 2028. Of course, there are termination clauses, there always have been. But we have never exercised any of them. On the contrary. We have always been loyal and will remain so. We want to continue our path with Red Bull and Max wants to finish his career here, but obviously with the possibility to win“.
The alternative options on Verstappen’s table are not many: there is obviously the possibility of a farewell (permanent or temporary) to F1, while chances of staying in the Circus but with another team are scarce. The doors at Mercedes and Ferrari currently seem closed, while at McLaren everything depends on the evolution of the relationship between the team and Oscar Piastri.
For sure the matter could drag on at least until October, when Verstappen’s possibility to exercise the exit clause should expire. Clearly, such a late decision could turn into a huge problem for Red Bull, which in case of Max’s departure would have very little time to define a plan B. Also for this reason, the hope of Mark Mateschitz and Oliver Mintzlaff is to persuade the Dutch star to renew the contract.
Read more Martin in Yamaha will be followed by Rossi’s former chief technician David Munoz
