A contract is a contract: Can Verstappen actually leave Red Bull Racing?

When Sebastian Vettel decided it was time to swap Red Bull Racing for Ferrari in 2014, the German did so despite an ongoing contract. The four-time world champion made use of a clause to make the switch without any problems. Lewis Hamilton recently did something similar. The Briton informed Mercedes that he would not serve out his contract until the end of 2025 and would move to Ferrari after the season. Again, a clause made that possible.

In Formula 1, contracts mean very little. If a team wants to get rid of a driver, it takes no effort to put them on hold. Nyck de Vries knows all about it. For their part, drivers are no fool either. Their managers often pump the contract full of clauses, so there is always an option - albeit sometimes for a hefty fee - to tear up the commitment. After all, the real top drivers in the sport have the power.

Verstappen has departure clauses

So if there comes a point for Max Verstappen when he has had enough of all the fuss at Red Bull Racing, there is always an option to say 'goodbye'. Certainly an absolute top driver Max Verstappen - with his shrewd manager Raymond Vermeulen - has factored into the deal all possible situations: disappointing performance of the Red Bull car, for example. Or the chance to be able to switch to a team that performs better.

Meanwhile, F1Insider.com reports that there is a clause allowing Verstappen to walk freely out the door, should Helmut Marko leave. As is well-known, the external advisor and Verstappen are close. For its part, Motorsport.com states that this option also applies in case Christian Horner leaves Red Bull. The latter could create an equally interesting and strange situation: the Verstappen camp reportedly wants to get rid of Horner and his staying on could make Max potentially want to leave. But if Horner leaves, Verstappen could therefore get out from under his contract.

Mercedes keep an eye on situation

Mercedes are keeping a close eye on the situation with Verstappen. The German team are looking for a replacement for the departing Hamilton for 2025 and is said to have Verstappen at the top of its wish list. Team boss Toto Wolff is in no hurry, as he realises he is in a luxury position. Should Verstappen want to leave Red Bull, Mercedes is the only serious option. That fact strengthens the negotiating position for the Austrian.