Dornbos is sure that there is a special clause in Max's contract.

      Robert Dornbos, a former Formula 1 driver now collaborating with Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sport as an expert, believes that Max Verstappen's contract contains a special additional clause that could allow the four-time world champion to terminate his obligations to Red Bull early.

      Formally, his contract runs until 2028 inclusive, but rumors have long circulated that Max is considering moving to another team. Among them, George Russell hinted last weekend that Mercedes is waiting to see which decision Verstappen will make about his future, and only then will they negotiate contracts with their drivers. Toto Wolff, team principal, also does not deny this.

      Of course, despite the press's interest in Max's contract, the likelihood that any journalist has seen this document is minimal, but for example, RacingNews365 suggests that Max could leave Red Bull Racing if, at some point during the season—most likely in summer—he finds himself outside the top three in the championship standings.

      He is currently in third place, although Russell is already catching up. However, Dornbos stated that there is another special clause in the contract related to Red Bull Racing's position in the Constructors' Championship.

      "Another clause states that Verstappen can leave if Red Bull does not finish in the top three of the team standings," he shared during the Race Cafe TV program. "As far as I know, such a clause exists, and I am 100% sure of that. Because if the team is not capable of more, then the driver won't be able to pull it through.

      Negotiations with Mercedes are indeed ongoing; they began last year, and it's not hard to guess. There was a pause, but now they have resumed. So George Russell will have to wait for now; there's nothing else he can do."

      It is worth reminding that after 11 rounds of the season, Red Bull Racing is in fourth place in the team standings, already 47 points behind Mercedes.