F1 News & Gossip

NEW Verstappen Red Bull exit clause revealed as Mercedes eye champion

Sam Cook Wednesday 6 March 2024 09:58 Updated: 13:55

NEW Verstappen Red Bull exit clause revealed as Mercedes eye champion

Max Verstappen has an exit clause in his mammoth Red Bull contract that allows him to leave the team immediately in the event of one particular scenario, according to reports.

The three-time world champion has been the subject of swirling rumours regarding his future with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, due to the media furore surrounding team principal Christian Horner.

His father - Jos Verstappen - admitted to BBC Sport that he had a 'falling out' with Horner during the Bahrain Grand Prix, prompting 'clear-the-air' talks amongst the team.

Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation following accusations of alleged 'inappropriate behaviour', allegations that the Brit vehemently denies.

However, leaked documents allegedly showing supposed messages sent by Horner brought the issue back to the surface once again midway through the Bahrain GP weekend, with Horner's rivals calling for an external investigation.

Max Verstappen has been rumoured to be looking for a way out of his Red Bull team

Jos Verstappen and Christian Horner's relationship has taken a blow recently

Helmut Marko has a close relationship with Max Verstappen

Verstappen Red Bull future in doubt

Mercedes have been said to be sniffing around Verstappen, knowing that they need to fill the void left behind by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari ahead of 2025.

Verstappen senior met with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in Bahrain, fuelling rumours further, before Wolff himself failed to rule out a move for the Dutchman.

Now, F1 Insider have revealed that Verstappen has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave immediately, if close confidant Helmut Marko departs the team.

Marko has so far been rather quiet surrounding his future, but is understood to be out of contract at the end of this mammoth season.

Red Bull Max Verstappen Mercedes Christian Horner Bahrain Grand Prix Jos Verstappen

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