Will Max Verstappen Really Leave Red Bull in 2027?

 

Max Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 Formula One season, yet his future has become one of the hottest topics in the paddock.

The reason is simple. Multiple respected media outlets have reported that Verstappen's contract includes performance-related exit clauses. While the exact terms remain confidential, they are believed to allow an early departure if Red Bull fails to remain competitive. 

Red Bull's Difficult 2026 Season

With the championship reaching the summer break after the Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull has struggled to match Mercedes and Ferrari under the new regulations.

The current Drivers' Championship standings are:

Position	Driver	Points
1	Andrea Kimi Antonelli	219
2	Lewis Hamilton	169
3	George Russell	160
4	Charles Leclerc	138
5	Lando Norris	128
6	Max Verstappen	109

Verstappen now trails championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 110 points, leaving him well outside the title fight heading into the second half of the season. 

The Contract Isn't the Main Story

Although Verstappen's agreement runs through 2028, the discussion surrounding his future is not really about the length of his contract.

It is about whether Red Bull can once again provide a championship-winning car.

According to widespread reports, the performance clauses are linked to Red Bull's competitiveness rather than simply the calendar. While the precise wording has never been made public, the possibility of an early exit has fueled speculation about Mercedes and Aston Martin. 

A Fast Car Comes First

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies recently summarized the situation perfectly.

Verstappen wants to stay with Red Bull, but like every elite driver, he also wants a car capable of fighting for victories and championships.

That is why the performance of Red Bull's 2026 package may ultimately determine Verstappen's future more than the contract itself. 

Why 2027 Matters

The 2026 season introduced Formula One's new technical regulations.

If Red Bull cannot recover during the remainder of 2026, the 2027 season could become the moment when Verstappen evaluates his long-term future.

Should Red Bull return to the front, the rumors will likely disappear.

If not, Formula One could witness one of the biggest driver market stories in recent years.

For now, one fact remains unchanged:

Max Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull through 2028.

Whether he actually stays that long may depend less on the contract itself and more on one simple question:

Can Red Bull once again build the fastest car on the grid?