What is Verstappen doing?
The German Ralf Bach of F1 Insider he is one of the most authoritative journalists present in the paddock and what he wrote today in the columns of his website will undoubtedly cause discussion.
In these summer holidays Max Verstappen is spending a period of rest in his house in the south of France and is talking at length with his father Jos to rreflect on his situation and that of Red Bull.
The Marko Clause and the Loopholes
As was known, Verstappen’s future at Red Bulldespite a contract valid until 2028, was far from safe, given that a clause tied his permanence to that of Helmut Marko. But in recent weeks the Austrian received an irresistible offer from the team, to add a letter to his contract guaranteeing that he would not leave the team until the natural expiration of the agreement, 2026.
In exchange Marko was given back power which he had lost in the last turbulent months at Red Bull. F1 Insider he explained however that they are “there are still some performance clauses that would make Max’s departure possible even without Marko’s help for 2025. And in this regard, a confidential, open and regular dialogue between the Verstappens, Toto Wolff and Ola Kallenius”.
Ralf Bach goes further: “If Red Bull’s performance curve continues to decline and Mercedes’ continues to rise, the decision – in favour of Mercedes – has already been made.” In reference to 2026.
Mercedes’ plan would therefore be this: announce the Antonelli-Russell pairing for 2025 at Monza, and guarantee a seat for Verstappen for the following year.
As regards theAston Martin hypothesisF1-Insider is clear: “It’s not on the Dutch champion’s wish list, there’s no truth to it.”
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