Verstappen has a contract 'performance clause', confirms Red Bull

Red Bull boss Helmut Marko has confirmed that Max Verstappen has a 'performance clause' in his contract with the team and admitted that Mercedes have been in regular contact with the Dutchman about his future.

The exciting 21-year-old signed a contract extension with Red Bull at the end of the 2017 season, and 2018 proved testing as car reliability and poor decision-making cost Verstappen in more than one race.

He has been frustrated with Red Bull's lack of pace in the first two races of 2019, leading to speculation that he may be considering his future. And speaking to AutoBild, Marko stated that there is indeed an option for Verstappen to move on and that Mercedes chief Toto Wolff is in regular contact.

He said: "There is certainly a performance clause in Max's contract. Toto Wolff regularly calls him and his father, Jos.

"I am relaxed about it. He feels good with us and if we give him world championship material, I will not worry that he will stay."

It is unclear what exactly the clause is, but Sebastian Vettel had one in 2014 which required him to finish in the top three in the championship in order to activate his deal for the next season.

Wolff has made no secret of the fact that he has huge respect for Verstappen's abilities and with Valtteri Bottas' contract set to expire at the end of the 2019 season, it is unlikely that the rumours on his future will subside any time soon.

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