Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen has, according to a media report, decided to stay with his Red Bull racing team in the coming year.
As the Dutch daily newspaper “De Telegraaf” reports, a farewell after this season is no longer an issue for the 27-year-old.
This would also make a quick change to the Mercedes factory team, which has been speculated for months. There is no confirmation for this yet.
However, Verstappen had recently emphasized that it was still his goal “that I drive here until the end of my career”. He only said that last Thursday in the Spa-Francorchamps paddock.
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But whether it really happens seemed open. The four -time world champion at Red Bull still has a valid contract until the end of 2028, but is dissatisfied with the current sporting situation.
The exit clause can no longer apply
He lost the connection to the top with the McLaren drivers Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris. In addition, possible exit clauses were repeatedly reported. According to “de Telegraaf” there would have been a clause, but it can no longer apply.
If Verstappen had placed worse than third in the World Cup ranking at the beginning of the short summer break, he would have been able to get out of his contract prematurely. He will keep the third position in Budapest after the race next weekend and can no longer slip to fourth place.
According to the report, however, Verstappen decided to stay with the team, regardless of the alleged placement clause, for which he has been driving since 2016. So far, he won 65 Formula 1 race in the Red Bull Racing car.