Verstappen Exit Clause Nears Activation
Max Verstappen sits seventh in the 2026 drivers' championship after the British Grand Prix. His Red Bull contract exit clause activates after the Hungarian Grand Prix if he remains outside the top two. The clause allows him to depart for 2027. He leads no team-mate or rival closely enough to change that standing before the summer break.
Contract Clause Mechanics
Max Verstappen finished no higher than seventh in the 2026 drivers' championship after the British Grand Prix.[3] His Red Bull contract includes a performance-related exit clause. The clause becomes active after the Hungarian Grand Prix if he stays outside the top two.[1]
Current Standings Impact
Verstappen holds 76 points. The maximum he can reach by the summer break is 126 points. Second place in the championship holds 154 points.[2] The threshold requires second or higher by the August break.[1]
Clause Activation Timeline
The exit option allows departure for 2027 without penalty if conditions are met. It remains live following the British Grand Prix result.[3]
Related reading
- [1]Verstappen refuses to commit to Red Bull past 2026 amid growing McLaren exit rumours (espn). Accessed 2026-07-27.
- [2]Max Verstappen can now trigger exit clause to potentially leave Red Bull (racingnews365). Accessed 2026-07-27.
- [3]Max Verstappen Red Bull exit clause officially in play after British Grand Prix disaster (gpfans). Accessed 2026-07-27.