'Red Bull offered this multi-million sum to buy out Verstappen's clause'

A few years ago, Verstappen's manager, Raymond Vermeulen, had a clause included in his client's contract which meant that during the final season of the deal, the now four-time world champion could terminate it should Red Bull fail to meet its sporting objectives.

After his sudden crash and DNF at the British Grand Prix on Sunday, Verstappen can mathematically no longer be inside the top two on the standings entering the summer break, and therefore, that aforementioned clause can be activated. Verstappen needs to inform Red Bull Racing by October at the latest if he wants to leave after this season, amid growing rumours linking the Dutchman with McLaren.

Over the recent weeks, Red Bull has been eager to persuade Verstappen to commit to the Austrians. Red Bull GmbH's leadership proposed buying out the exit clause to Verstappen's management, which would tie the Dutchman to Red Bull Racing until 2028. According to F1-Insider, they offered €8 million.

Verstappen declined the offer, which aligns with his mindset that having a Formula 1 car capable of winning races is more important to him than a couple of million euros more or less. It is not known whether the offer is still an option for Red Bull or if the organization has withdrawn it.