Reigning Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull at the end of the season thanks to a release clause in his contract, according to reports.
2025 marks Verstappen’s 10th year racing with Red Bull, though his association with the team dates back further after coming through their academy and making his debut with junior team Toro Rosso.
It’s a partnership that has proven incredibly successful, with the Dutchman winning the last four drivers’ championships, while Christian Horner’s team lifted the constructors’ title in 2022 and 2023.
However, it is one that has come under a lot of strain over the past year thanks in part to tensions between Horner and Verstappen’s dad Jos, and the departure of design genius Adrian Newey.
Moreover, Verstappen has endured a difficult start to the new season with his Red Bull RB21 proving difficult to drive and off the pace of rivals McLaren.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old was able to win in Japan and goes into the Bahrain Grand Prix just a point behind championship leader Lando Norris.
He’ll start Sunday’s race in Sakhir from seventh on the grid, with Norris sixth and the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri on pole.
But should Red Bull fail to improve their car, it could allow for Verstappen to depart the team early, with his contract currently set to expire in 2028.
The Daily Mail, via Total Motorsport, report that a release clause in the deal will become active if Verstappen drops out of the top three in the standings – something that has not happened since the start of 2022.
It is said that should he trigger the option, he would be free to negotiate a move immediately, with Mercedes and Aston Martin his most likely suitors.
Max Verstappen rules himself out of title contention
Though able to take the championship lead in Bahrain, Verstappen claims he has no chance of winning a fifth-straight title in 2025 thanks to his underwhelming Red Bull RB21.
‘McLaren are not my rivals right now. I am just taking part in this world championship,’ the Dutchman told reports in Sakhir.
Asked if he meant he doesn’t see himself competing for the title, he replied: ‘No, I don’t.’
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is a huge admirer of Verstappen and was hopeful of signing him last year to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton.
Both George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli are performing well however, so it would be a surprise to see either axed.
Aston Martin, who signed the aforementioned Newey, are reportedly weighing up a £1billion offer for Verstappen who would likely replace two-time champion Fernando Alonso.
Bahrain Grand Prix odds
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 1/3
Lando Norris (McLaren) – 11/2
George Russell (Mercedes) – 17/2
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 14/1
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 25/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
The 43-year-old is expected to retire when his contract expires at the end of 2026.
Verstappen is largely considered to be the best driver on the grid and losing him would be a massive blow for Red Bull whose other drivers are struggling to make the grade.
Sergio Perez was sacked at the end of 2024 and replaced by Liam Lawson who was then axed after just two disappointing races and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, who in turn failed to score points on his debut in Japan last weekend.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.