Verstappen may leave Red Bull. The possibility of his departure revealed

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen could say goodbye to the Austrian team. His contract with Red Bull includes an option to leave after the 2025 season, but there’s a crucial condition attached.

According to Motorsport, the 27-year-old Dutchman can activate this clause if, by the end of the Austrian Grand Prix on June 29, he is not in the top four of the drivers’ standings. As of now, after eight rounds, Verstappen sits third with 136 points.

Current drivers’ standings:

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 161 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 158
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 136
4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 99
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 79
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 63
7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 48
8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 42
9. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 20
10. Isack Hadjar (RB) – 15

If, after the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, Verstappen maintains a lead of more than 50 points over fifth place, the option for early contract termination will be lost.

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Recall that Max’s contract with Red Bull runs through the end of 2028. During the off-season, Verstappen was heavily linked with a move to Aston Martin and later to Mercedes.