Rumors of Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull have gained significant traction for various reasons. The board of GmbH recently deemed the situation as acquittal just before the Bahrain GP. However, after the completion of FP sessions on Thursday, leaked documents regarding the investigation of the British driver caused a commotion in the paddock. As a result, details of Verstappen’s contract have surfaced, indicating that he has the option to leave the team immediately.
Publicly, Verstappen’s father expressed his belief that if the Englishman remains in the team, it will lead to its downfall. This statement was followed by a sighting of Verstappen’s father with a representative from another team, fueling speculation that the Dutch driver could join them. This raises the question of whether the reigning champion would indeed leave the team, despite being contracted to the Austrian manufacturer until the end of the 2028 season.
However, another individual has shared their perspective on the ongoing situation at Red Bull. According to this source, there exists an exit clause in Verstappen’s contract that allows him to leave the team immediately if Helmut Marko, a key figure in Red Bull, also departs. Marko himself has stated that he will not stand in Verstappen’s way if he chooses to leave. This clause creates an intriguing dynamic within the team, as their CEO/team principal is facing accusations while their star driver contemplates his future.
Verstappen, who is currently the most sought-after driver in Formula 1, has garnered interest from other teams in the event that he decides to leave Red Bull. Despite the ongoing turmoil, Verstappen has commented on the situation, praising Christian Horner, the team leader, for his dedication and commitment to the team. Verstappen believes that Horner will continue to give his all, despite the allegations surrounding him.
Meanwhile, the saga at Red Bull continues, with several team principals calling for a thorough investigation by the FIA due to the lack of transparency. The future of Horner as the team principal remains uncertain, and it will be revealed in due course whether he will continue in his role or not.