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Red Bull Keeps Tsunoda as Verstappen Exit Clauses Fuel Mercedes Talks

Team chiefs have defended their lineups despite performance triggers in Verstappen’s contract raising midseason exit speculation.

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Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Jos Verstappen look on in the garage during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 24, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Overview

  • Helmut Marko blamed the RB21’s tight performance window for Yuki Tsunoda’s point drought and confirmed the Japanese driver will keep Red Bull’s second seat for the rest of the season.
  • Max Verstappen ruled out a sabbatical and confirmed he will race in F1 next year despite contractual clauses that could let him walk away if he falls outside the top three by the summer break.
  • Mercedes principal Toto Wolff acknowledged exploratory talks with Verstappen’s representatives over a potential 2026 move but declined to commit to any change.
  • George Russell said he expects to continue at Mercedes in 2026 and remains unfazed by rumors linking Verstappen to the Silver Arrows.
  • Christian Horner said he is fairly comfortable that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull and emphasized that all driver agreements include performance triggers.