Ex-F1 Driver Predicts Max Verstappen’s New Contract Clause at Red Bull over Future Exit Option

Ex-F1 Driver Predicts Max Verstappen’s New Contract Clause at Red Bull over Future Exit Option

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

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Max Verstappen‘s future was at the center of attention in the F1 paddock for the past few months. The Dutch driver was rumored to be on his way to Mercedes after being unhappy with Red Bull’s decline. Now, Verstappen has confirmed that he will remain at Milton Keynes next season. However, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos insists that there is no guarantee in the long-term.

The four-time world champion has a contract with the energy drinks giant till 2028. Yet, this did not stop speculation over his future considering the provision of an exit clause in the contract. Ultimately, Max Verstappen did decide to stay at Red Bull, just days after the team sacked Team Principal Christian Horner.

Robert Doornbos suggested that Red Bull will always be guessing what Max Verstappen will do after this season. Milton Keynes would remain uncertain over the Dutchman’s tenure.

Max Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, so every year now, Red Bull will be like Is he leaving or is he not leaving?

Robert Doornbos said on The Pit Talk Podcast

He reckoned that Verstappen and his management will ensure that the provision for performance clauses in his deal remain. So much so, the reigning world champion might get these options updated to better reflect his targets for next season. Doornbos speculated that such clauses might even allow the 27-year-old to leave the team if he is below third place in the standings.

I think Max will be smart enough or his management to update some performance classes in the contract instead of saying okay, if I’m still on the top 3 I can leave no next year if I’m not in the top 2 before the summer break, I can leave some of those performance classes will be adjusted from Max’s side.

Robert Doornbos added

Max Verstappen and Red Bull to face “Achilles’ heel” test in 2026

2026 is a big year for Formula 1. The sport will undergo a major technical shake-up with new cars and new power units. Notably, Red Bull Racing will build its own power units in collaboration with Ford. This will be the first time Milton Keynes has ventured into engine manufacturing, having relied on Renault and Honda in the past.

Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Helmut Marko (via Red Bull)

Robert Doornbos pointed out that Red Bull was a massive brand when it came to energy drinks, undoubtedly dominating the market. Moreover, the Austrian giant has proved that they can build some amazing F1 machinery over the years with eight drivers’ titles. However, the engine had always been the one factor holding back Milton Keynes, acting like its Achilles’ heel. 2026 will finally test this weakness of the team as Max Verstappen once again plans to charge for the title.

Red Bull are huge in making energy drinks, and they’re probably the best in the world at dominating that market. They’re also very good at building a fast Formula 1 chassis, but they are not a car manufacturer, so the Achilles’ heel has always been the engine… I think that’s a very bold and very cool way.

Robert Doornbos stated

Certainly, Max Verstappen still has faith in Red Bull to continue for another year. While the Dutchman would not rule out his options for 2027, he wants to see how the grid shapes up next year. The arrival of Laurent Rossi as new team principal might’ve also helped in this decision. Nevertheless, Milton Keynes will need to show concrete progress next year if the team hopes to retain Verstappen for the long term.

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