Overview

• Former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos confirmed that Verstappen’s contract allows him to exit if he is not in the top two of the drivers’ standings at midseason, a threshold he currently fails to meet.
• Doornbos also revealed a constructors’ clause enabling Verstappen to leave if Red Bull drops outside the top three, another condition now in effect as the team sits fourth.
• Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has held formal talks with Verstappen about joining the Silver Arrows under the sport’s new 2026 regulations.
• George Russell said Mercedes’ engagement with Verstappen has delayed negotiations over his own contract extension with the team.
• Verstappen has remained publicly neutral on transfer rumours, saying he prefers not to fuel media reports and will determine his own future.