Max Verstappen could potentially leave Red Bull as early as this summer, according to a revelation from team advisor Helmut Marko.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion's contract contains an exit clause that can be activated during the summer break if Red Bull's performance falls below certain thresholds.
This disclosure comes amid Red Bull's struggles to match McLaren's pace at the start of the 2025 season.
Verstappen is currently contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but performance clauses could allow for an earlier departure.
Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull as early as this summer
Reuters
Such clauses are common in modern F1 contracts and work both ways, with teams also able to drop drivers due to poor results.
Marko, who brought Verstappen into F1 when he was just 17, confirmed the existence of these clauses in the Dutchman's contract.
The specific performance criteria remain undisclosed but are reportedly linked to car competitiveness.
Red Bull's RB21 has proven difficult to drive, continuing issues seen with its predecessor.
McLaren has dominated the early part of the 2025 season, with Lando Norris leading the drivers' championship ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
JUST IN:Rory McIlroy's wife 'makes big decision on relationship' just days after golf star won the Masters
Verstappen currently sits third in the standings, with Red Bull unable to consistently challenge the McLaren cars.
After a particularly difficult weekend in Bahrain, Verstappen declared: "McLaren are not my rivals right now. I am just taking part in this World Championship."
Despite these challenges, Marko insists he isn't concerned about Verstappen's exit clause yet.
"That is not a topic at the moment," Marko told Formel1.de.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker, 64, admits health problems have forced him to give up much-loved hobby
Helmut Marko admitted Max Verstappen as an exit clause this summer
Reuters
When asked specifically about the summer break activation period, he confirmed: "Yes, that's the time window."
He added: "But please, we are third in the drivers' championship with a deficit of eight points. The summer break is still a long way off."
The exact criteria Red Bull must meet to retain Verstappen remain unclear, though reports suggest the team needs to provide him with a winning car or ensure he finishes in the championship top three.
Speculation continues to swirl about Verstappen's future, with rumours linking him to potential moves to Aston Martin Mercedes or even Alpine.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Marko acknowledged that "the concern is great" that Red Bull's current form could result in losing their star driver as early as 2026.
Despite Red Bull's struggles, Verstappen managed a shock victory at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, winning from pole position.
This success offers a glimmer of hope for the team as they work to improve the car's performance.
"Upgrades are needed for Max to win his fifth world title," Marko stated. "That is our big goal and the whole team is working hard on it."
