McLaren can afford Verstappen's huge salary thanks to Bahraini backing

Verstappen earns tens of millions of euros at Red Bull Racing, with estimates ranging from €60 million to €100 million (£51.2-85.4 million) per year.

If the former world champion uses his exit clause to terminate his contract, he would miss out on the salary he was meant to receive over the next two years. However, if Verstappen were to move to McLaren, he would have little to worry about financially.

The defending constructors' champion would not see Verstappen's high salary as a problem, with sponsors from Bahrain reportedly ready to cover his contract. McLaren can also rely on the backing of its two major investment fund shareholders: Bahrain's state investment fund Mumtalakat and the UAE-based CYVN Holdings.

GPblog was the first to report last Tuesday on a potentially imminent deal between Verstappen and McLaren. For now, those involved are keeping quiet about the possible switch.

Verstappen can leave the Austrian team easily. Since last Sunday, he has been able to activate a clause that allows him to terminate his contract. The clause became available because it is now mathematically certain that Verstappen will not be at the top of the drivers' standings entering the summer break.

At McLaren, Verstappen would replace Oscar Piastri, as Mark Webber, the Australian’s manager, is said to be looking for a different employer for his client. McLaren denies that Piastri is unhappy at the team.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing also tried to buy out Verstappen's exit clause. It is now clear how much money the Austrian team was willing to offer to tie the four-time world champion down.