Report suggests Red Bull aims to purchase Verstappen's exit clause.

      Red Bull is reportedly seeking to eliminate any uncertainty regarding Max Verstappen’s future by negotiating the buyout of the exit clause in his contract. According to Germany's Bild newspaper, this topic was addressed during a high-level meeting in Salzburg earlier this month, which involved Verstappen, his manager Raymond Vermeulen, Red Bull heir Mark Mateschitz, majority owner Chalerm Yoovidhya, CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, and team principal Laurent Mekies.

      The report suggests that Red Bull's leadership is becoming increasingly worried about the possibility that Verstappen could exercise a performance-related release clause later this year. While the Dutch driver's contract is valid until 2028, Bild indicates that the clause may remain active until October. Red Bull is reportedly contemplating offering a low double-digit million euro payment to entirely eliminate this option.

      Verstappen's manager, Vermeulen, did little to lessen the speculation, stating, "We have a contract until 2028. Of course, there are release clauses; there always have been. But we’ve never exercised one. We’ve always been loyal and will remain so." Nevertheless, he acknowledged that competitiveness is a crucial factor. "We want to continue our journey with Red Bull, and Max wants to finish his career here — but of course, with the possibility of winning." Vermeulen also hinted that a decision may come soon, stating, "We want the decision to be made soon so everyone knows where they stand. It could be made before the summer break."

      Bild reports that Red Bull is worried about the implications of losing Verstappen, fearing they would struggle to find a suitable replacement on short notice. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that trust between Verstappen and Red Bull may be diminishing. "I feel like they’ve lost a little faith in each other," he remarked to Sky Deutschland. Schumacher also claims that Red Bull recently attempted to secure Verstappen's services beyond 2028, but Verstappen reportedly declined, saying, "I don’t need that right now. I have a contract until 2028 anyway. I want to wait and see." Furthermore, the German believes Red Bull is quietly formulating backup plans. "It’s clear who they’re talking about - Piastri," Schumacher said, alluding to reported conversations between Mateschitz and Oscar Piastri’s manager, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber.