“Max would be the only one…” – A rival has revealed an important detail about Max Verstappen’s F1 contract
Williams Racing driver Carlos Sainz has shared an interesting detail about Max Verstappen’s Red Bull F1 contract.
Verstappen has had a tough 2026 season. After winning four straight Drivers’ Championships from 2020 to 2024, he’s now seventh in the standings, with only one podium finish so far at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Dutch driver has spoken out about the new rules, which now split the car’s power evenly between a traditional engine and an electric battery. In 2027, this will change again, moving to a 58/42 split in favor of the engine.
Earlier this season, Verstappen hinted he might leave F1, even though his contract with Red Bull runs until 2028. It’s said his contract includes a special clause that could let him exit in 2027.
Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, told German media BILD: “We have a contract until 2028, and yes, there are exit clauses, but we’ve never used one. We want to keep going with Red Bull, and Max wants to finish his career here—of course, if he can keep winning.”
Before the Barcelona Grand Prix, Verstappen met with Red Bull’s leadership. They wanted a clear answer about his future and asked him to commit beyond this year. However, he chose not to, and also turned down an offer to buy out his exit clause.
Vermeulen added, “We hope to have an answer soon so everyone knows where they stand. It might happen before the summer break.”
While Verstappen’s exit clause is well-known, Carlos Sainz revealed that Max also has clauses letting him skip some media and marketing work.
“Over a 24-race season, with all the interviews and marketing we do, that’s just impossible for most drivers to handle,” Sainz told Mundo Deportivo, talking about whether drivers could still join special events like the Elf Masters indoor karting competition.
“Max is the only one with such allowances. It’s written into his contracts, and Red Bull agrees to it,” Sainz explained. “The rest of us just don’t have the time or energy for extra races like that.”
Both Sainz and Verstappen will be racing at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, June 28.