Toto Wolff has had an eye out for Max Verstappen for some time now. Ever since the season started, there has been unrest within the Red Bull garage. Christian Horner has been reportedly trying to take power over the team, and the Verstappens, along with Helmut Marko, are not happy with this. In Bahrain, Verstappen Sr. was seen talking to Toto Wolff, starting rumors about Max’s transfer next season. However, the defending champion has a contract lasting until 2028, so how does Toto Wolff expect to bring him to Mercedes?

Max Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull is the longest deal in the history of Formula 1. But there is a clause in the contract stating that Verstappen can leave the team if Helmut Marko decides to do the same. We know that Helmut Marko will be with Red Bull till 2026, but in the past, he mentioned that he would quit the team if the defending champion decided to make a transfer. Although that might hint at the chances of Verstappen going to Mercedes, Marko’s recent statement speaks otherwise.

Helmut Marko decides to continue with Red Bull

Max Verstappen‘s exit clause has been discussed around the paddocks and F1 community for months. But it was only today that Marko confirmed the arrangement. According to Formulapassion, the Red Bull director came forward to quiet the noise behind rumors of him leaving the team. He stated, “We need calm to guarantee success. I have a contract until 2026 and I will respect it, provided that all my functions remain unchanged.” Marko still has 2 more years with Red Bull on paper, and with that, Verstappen will be locked in too. He explained that since he will continue with the team till 2026, “This way, Max’s exit clause will not be necessary.”

With this, Marko admitted that there is a clause in place that links his contract to Verstappen, but recently, even the current champion mentioned that he will continue with the team in 2025. Previously, Max Verstappen mentioned that he would drive for a team that could give him the fastest car. However, recently, McLaren picked up their pace and is now up to par with the RB20, if not faster.

Mercedes is also getting faster by the race, and with George Russell winning in Austria, Verstappen has already lost more races than he did last season. With such a performance from Red Bull, the defending champion is not able to replicate the success he had last year. So will this leave room for Verstappen to reconsider and change his mind?

Will Max Verstappen decide to leave Red Bull?

So far, it’s difficult to gauge what the defending champion will do next season, despite taking a stance. As of now, Red Bull is falling behind the constructors, although they still have the lead. Sergio Perez has not been performing as the team expected after signing the contract, as his lack of scoring points is bringing Ferrari and McLaren closer to the top. Max Verstappen is doing all the heavy lifting, and in Austria, the pressure got to him.

It’s not usual to see Max Verstappen charged for crashing into another driver, at least not in the recent past. The RB20 had always been the fastest car until Miami, and since then, McLaren has been chasing the Dutchman down. If McLaren continues to keep up the pace, it might not take long for them to start winning more races. If this is to happen, Verstappen will need a huge upgrade to the car or a new team altogether.

With that said, do you think Max Verstappen will consider his options after this season is over? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.