Verstappen's Contract: What is known so far?

      Formally, Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull Racing is valid until the end of 2028, but it contains a clause that allows the four-time world champion to leave the team early after the end of this season. This circumstance has sparked a wave of rumors about Max's future, but the topic has been particularly active in the press in recent weeks.

      In June, the German publication Bild reported that Red Bull management attempted to buy out the clause in Verstappen's contract that allows him to leave the team early, but Max refused. Following this, events began to develop rapidly.

      The Dutch publication De Limburger reported that Red Bull management took Max's unwillingness to confirm his future with the team and his decision to take time to consider the situation very hard.

      On Monday in London, after the British Grand Prix, a meeting involving Red Bull management, Verstappen, and his managers was supposed to take place, but after preliminary negotiations in Silverstone during the race weekend, the meeting was canceled. On Sunday evening, Max boarded his private jet and flew out of the UK.

      The press concluded that the disagreements between the parties had only worsened, and Max's exit in Silverstone due to car problems only intensified the driver's dissatisfaction with the team.

      Adding fuel to the fire, the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported that Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache stopped sharing "confidential information" with Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to prevent any potential leaks to competitors.

      The tension surrounding the situation will persist until the Belgian Grand Prix next week, but even in Spa, it is unlikely that Max will have a favorable attitude towards the team. Power unit performance is crucial at the Belgian track, so Red Bull is already preparing for problems at the next stage. But will this be the last straw that prompts Max to switch teams?

      De Limburger adds that the driver is considering several options, including leaving Formula 1. This is a possible option, recalling Max's own words that he does not intend to stay in Formula 1 at any cost, and he is interested in other racing series.

      However, a more logical option seems to be a move to McLaren, although Zak Brown has denied such a possibility. Nevertheless, according to Motorsport Week, a long-term contract with the Woking team is being seriously considered by Verstappen and his managers. It is known that Max wants to make a decision earlier than last year when rumors about his move to Mercedes were dispelled only after the summer break.

      If Verstappen signs a contract with McLaren, he will replace Oscar Piastri. The British tabloid Daily Mail insists that Oscar does not want to leave the team, but if such a scenario is realized, it is highly likely that the Australian will replace Verstappen at Red Bull Racing.

      One thing is certain – the interested parties are not officially commenting on the situation surrounding Max Verstappen's contract.