![What Max Verstappen's Red Bull exit clause means for F1's driver market [early access]](https://img5.nokimo.com/storage/4/lm/tf/fb3178-019e838b-f177-73b9-a7e3-8be57748e1a1.jpg)
What Max Verstappen's Red Bull exit clause means for F1's driver market [early access]
Added 2025-04-25 09:09:49 +0000 UTCThe futures of Max Verstappen and George Russell are intertwined in Formula 1, and something fascinating is bubbling away behind the scenes. It might not look on the surface like much has changed, but Scott Mitchell-Malm and Jon Noble break down exactly what's going on in the background of a situation that could have a profound effect on the shape of the 2026 F1 grid.
Comments
What about Cadillac? Is there even the remotest possibility that is the worse case scenario instead of Alpine?
Chiraag Shah
2025-04-26 03:25:22 +0000 UTCRussell not getting a contract extension would be a slap in the face. He’s been so good for that team! A rather keep the driver that has been there and doing well then try to introduce a character like Max. Plus if RedBull are going to be a midfield team, wouldn’t you rather win the DWC with a homegrown driver??
Ferrari Fan Club Podcast
2025-04-25 14:23:11 +0000 UTCIt's funny Scott mentioned Alpine as a (best) worst-case scenario for George as I'd keep them in mind but for a different outcome. If I'm Merc, I get Russell re-signed ASAP and then see how the Verstappen situation plays out. If he becomes available and if you can bring him to the team then you do that, and in the meantime you're speaking to Flavio and putting together a package where Antonelli is loaned to Enstone for a year or two. If Max ultimately isn't available, or opts for Aston Martin instead, you just keep Kimi. Given Alpine's other second driver options I think they would bite Toto's hand off for Antonelli, even just on loan.
Darryl Finch
2025-04-25 12:47:07 +0000 UTCDang, Imagine having enough clout that you performance clause is based on whether they can provide you a car that is the 1 or 2 spot. Not a Top 3 or even Top 5, Top 2. It is Max but that's amazing.
Jose' Cardoso
2025-04-25 11:46:17 +0000 UTCMax is the gatekeeper and he knows his value. I doubt red bull or merc will do anything until Max's position is certain.
Chris M
2025-04-25 09:45:54 +0000 UTCOne potential outcome of this is that Red Bull lose Max, next year's engines aren't great, the replacement driver struggles like every non-Max (Min?) driver since Ricciardo and Red Bull slip into Class B in 2026. Is it possible that Red Bull could leave F1?
Simon Emms
2025-04-25 09:41:58 +0000 UTC
