Red Bull uncompetitive, exit clauses in play
A combination of safety concerns and, perhaps more importantly, a lack of enjoyment in these new cars has raised questions about whether Max Verstappen wants to continue racing.
His comments last weekend suggest there are reasons to be doubtful:
“I can easily accept to be in P7 or P8 where I am. Because I also know that you can’t be dominating or be first or second every time.
“I’m very realistic in that and I’ve been there before – I’ve not only been winning in F1.
“But at the same time, when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn’t feel natural to a racing driver.
“Of course I try to adapt to it, but it’s not nice the way you have to race. It’s really anti-driving. Then at one point, yeah – it’s just not what I want to do.
“And of course you can look at it and make a lot of money. Great. But at the end of the day, it’s not about money any more because this has always been my passion.”
Putting aside Verstappen’s criticisms of Formula 1, there is another crucial factor in this equation – Red Bull’s performance
Red Bull are essentially a midfield team at this stage of the season. The RB22 is suffering from excess weight an a poor chassis, creating unfavourable handling characteristics.
The Austrian team currently find themselves behind Ayao Komatu’s Haas in the standings. Suffice it to say, this will not improve Verstappen’s medium-term options.
As Verstappen himself explained, he can theoretically accept not fighting for wins ever season. However, fighting at the bottom of the top 10 only compounds his fundamental opposition to the new regulations.
Still, with a Red Bull contract that only expires at the end of 2028, leaving F1 before then might seem off the table. At least, this would be the surface-level assumption.
Multiple reports have confirmed what has been suspected for some time. There are exit clauses in Max Verstappen’s contract which allow him to leave Red Bull at the end of this season.
It was less than a year ago that this was a leading talking point. Mercedes were in talks with the 28-year-old for several months – in the hopes his Red Bull exit clause could be activated.
Ironically, because Verstappen entered the summer break in 3rd place (just ahead of George Russell) he was unable to trigger the exit clause in his contract and join the Silver Arrows.
Still, this clause is understood to still be in place. If the Dutchman is outside the top 3 positions in the standings, he is allowed to leave Red Bull.
Considering he is currently 9th with just 12 points, it seems likely these conditions will be met. Leaving Red Bull, inevitably, would open the door to the Dutchman stepping away from F1 altogether.
Therefore, while nothing is concerned, the possibility of Verstappen turning the page on Formula 1 is greater than ever.
