Rumors about Max's departure are just an attempt to pressure Red Bull?

      Max Verstappen is a key figure in the driver market; the driver's decision affects many other transfers, but there is a possibility that the very story of a potential departure from Red Bull is just an attempt to pressure the team to obtain even more favorable conditions. Before the weekend began, British media reported on negotiations between Verstappen's manager and Zak Brown from McLaren. These negotiations did indeed take place, the parties outlined their positions, but no agreements were reached. According to The Race, Verstappen's contract, which is valid until the end of 2028, contains a clause allowing him to leave the team if he is not in the top two of the drivers' championship by an unspecified point in August 2026, while Max has the right not to notify the team about activating this clause until October. However, all seats in the top teams - Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren - are occupied, and all drivers have contracts for at least the next season. Of course, a contract is a kind of formality, but it is likely that Verstappen and his manager are using leverage in the driver market to keep Red Bull on edge. A very likely scenario in this situation is the early termination of the contract with Red Bull in order to sign a new, even more favorable contract with the same team. Red Bull has repeatedly stated that they are willing to do anything to keep Max, and soon they may have the opportunity to prove it.