Overview

• Red Bull sources tell specialist outlets the team will not block Verstappen from invoking a contract clause if he ranks outside the top four after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
• Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius has reportedly authorised Toto Wolff to pursue Verstappen for a 2026 seat, marking executive backing at the Silver Arrows.
• Rumours of a private discussion surfaced when Wolff’s and Verstappen’s yachts were seen off Sardinia, fuelling speculation of undisclosed talks.
• Verstappen’s current deal runs through 2028 but contains a performance-based exit option, with terms expected to be finalised after F1’s summer break.
• Red Bull’s internal shake-up following Christian Horner’s dismissal and Honda’s planned engine exit have intensified pressure on Yuki Tsunoda’s place alongside Verstappen.