Jan.19 (GMM) Max Verstappen’s long-term future is again under scrutiny just days before the first group test of the 2026 cars, with fresh reports suggesting his Red Bull contract could open the door to a departure as early as 2027.
According to Sport Bild, a performance clause negotiated by the now-departed Dr Helmut Marko would allow Verstappen to leave if he is not either P1 or P2 in the championship by mid-season in Red Bull’s first year with Ford power.
The report has further fuelled speculation about a potential move to Mercedes, which many in the paddock expect to start the new engine era strongly.
The Mercedes connection has been reinforced off track. Verstappen has made no secret of his desire to contest the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026, but qualifying requires participation in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie – whose early rounds clash with Formula 1 races.
German reports say Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius and team boss Toto Wolff have already approached organisers to explore a rescheduling, as Verstappen’s GT3 team is set to switch to Mercedes machinery.
NLS chief Mike Yager confirmed only that “a request” had been received, adding that options were being explored.
At Red Bull, the reaction has been measured. Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook stressed that Verstappen’s presence, while valuable, is not existential for the marque’s involvement in F1.
“Max is an important part of the team, but not to the point where we’re saying, ‘If he leaves, we’re leaving too,'” Rushbrook said. “We have faith in the team and know that other drivers will arrive in the future.”
Verstappen himself has tried to dampen the noise. Speaking to De Telegraaf, the four-time world champion acknowledged that 2026 could be pivotal but insisted he remains calm.
“Could 2026 be decisive? Actually, yes,” he said. “But I’ll manage somehow, and eventually everything will return to normal. My goal is to drive for Red Bull until the end of my contract.”
Marko, meanwhile, has struck a more candid tone since his exit from Red Bull. He has repeatedly warned that Mercedes appears furthest advanced with the new engines and has openly questioned whether Red Bull could keep Verstappen if the Ford project struggles.
“Obviously, we can’t keep Max if the new engine isn’t working,” Marko said, adding that the new regulations carry major risks.
For now, Verstappen says even Red Bull does not yet know where it truly stands. “None of us have any idea about the new car or the engine,” he admitted. “In Barcelona, we’ll probably spend more time in the garage than on track.”