'Verstappen could still leave Red Bull in 2026 due to new clause'
17:32, 30 Jul 2025
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Co-author:Norberto Mujica
Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen will be driving for Red Bull Racing in 2026. There is not an official confirmation yet, but the chances of Verstappen leaving seem slim. Sky Sports reports that there will be a completely different performance clause in place for the Dutch Red Bull Racing driver next year.
In Verstappen's performance clause this year, he could terminate his contract with Red Bull if he stood fourth or lower in the championship standings going into the summer break.
The gap with George Russell after the Belgium Grand Prix is 28 points; therefore, even if Verstappen does not see the checkered flag at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he would still be ahead of the Mercedes driver.
The performance clause for Verstappen at Red Bull will look quite different in 2026, according to Sky Sports.
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Sky Sports reports on Verstappen's performance clause in 2026
"Max, look, he holds all the cards, doesn't he, in his hand anyway. So he'll be able now, I suppose, to have a look at who's best and then make his decision for 2027."
"We understand, by the way, there's a performance clause in for next year that if he's second or worse, then he can move to where he needs to get to," Simon Lazenby stated on Sky Sports' F1 Show, where he was accompanied by Nico Rosberg.
There has been much talk about a move by the reigning champion but for the time being, Verstappen seems to 'just' stay at Red Bull Racing.
Helmut Marko, advisor for the Austrian team, confirmed on Monday after the race at Spa-Francorchamps that Verstappen will remain with the Red Bull team. There are also ongoing discussions between George Russell and Mercedes about a new contract at Mercedes. GPblog has understood that this is a multi-year deal.
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