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6d ago

Verstappen’s Midseason Exit Clause Seen Triggered as Mercedes Talks Intensify

Thought to be activated by his position at the midseason cutoff, the clause has stoked private negotiations with Mercedes despite public denials from Red Bull.

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Race winner Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 07, 2024 in Northampton, England.

Overview

  • Verstappen’s Red Bull contract includes a performance-based exit clause tied to his Drivers’ Championship standing at the summer break and is widely believed to be activated after his midseason ranking falls outside the top four.
  • Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed closed-door conversations with Verstappen’s camp as the Silver Arrows weigh a potential buy-out that Sky Sports News estimates could exceed £100 million.
  • Christian Horner has called the switch talk “noise,” reaffirming that Verstappen is contracted through 2028 and urging focus on Red Bull’s ongoing development.
  • Dr Helmut Marko cautioned that Red Bull must deliver a competitive in-house power unit for the 2026 season to retain their world champion amid technical delays this year.
  • George Russell, whose own contract remains unresolved, says it is “exceptionally low” that he will leave Mercedes as teams prepare for sweeping regulation changes next year.