Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 Formula 1 season. The team has been dominant on the track this season and is considered the clear favorite for the championship. However, behind the scenes, there is turmoil as the team structure is on the verge of collapse following the announcement of a departure. To make matters worse, there are reports that Verstappen is ready to leave Red Bull and activate an exit clause.
According to BBC, the team has been struggling with internal power struggles since Adrian Newey’s departure. Key figures within the team have lost faith in the management, leading to speculation that senior figure Helmut Marko may also leave the team. If Marko were to leave, it would allow Verstappen to activate his exit clause, potentially leading to both of them leaving the team.
These developments have raised questions about whether Red Bull will continue to keep Verstappen as their lead driver. The team may face a difficult few weeks as they navigate internal conflicts, which could ultimately result in Verstappen joining their main rivals, Mercedes, in a surprising transfer.
Verstappen has played a crucial role in Red Bull’s F1 operations, but since becoming CEO in 2022, the team has been plagued by controversies and is now at risk of losing their star driver. Despite the rumors, Marko appears to be unconcerned about Verstappen’s potential departure. He believes that as long as the team can restore calmness and peace, Verstappen will stay. Marko is optimistic that the situation will improve soon and that the uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future will be resolved.
However, the reality suggests otherwise, and questions about the reigning champion’s future remain unanswered. The driver market for next year is highly unpredictable, leaving open the possibility of Verstappen making a move to another team.