'Red Bull makes proposal to Verstappen camp: longer contract, no exit clause'

Verstappen's current contract includes an exit clause that allows him to leave the team if he is not in the top two of the drivers' standings by the summer break. He is currently sixth in the championship, meaning he can leave Red Bull if he chooses to do so. However, he is in no rush, as he has until mid-October to make a decision.

While it was previously reported that Red Bull was trying to buy out the exit clause in Verstappen's contract, Bild tells a different story. According to the German newspaper, the team is instead trying to persuade the four-time world champion to sign a new deal. Rather than his current contract, which runs until the end of 2028, the proposed agreement would keep the Dutchman at Red Bull through the end of 2029 and include a salary increase.

At the same time, an exit clause would not be included in the new contract. If he signs a new deal, the Dutchman would no longer be able to switch teams based on where he sits in the standings.

According to the report, the ball is now in Verstappen’s court. The Red Bull Racing driver's camp is said to have received the new offer weeks ago, but no official response has been given yet.

At the Hungaroring, the Dutchman commented on his future. He said: "I am feeling good, and you know, from my side, what I'm saying that there is nothing to say is because there's nothing going on.

He continued: "So, for me, I'm just focused on trying to get the most out of the car, that's already complicated enough to deal with. That's what I'm just doing. I mean, this team is like a second family to me. I'm just trying to understand our car a bit better and of course get back to winning ways."