Shock in Milton Keynes: Red Bull and Horner Allegedly Unaware of Verstappen’s Exit Clause
In a revelation that could send tremors through the Formula 1 paddock, reports have surfaced suggesting that Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner—and perhaps even key figures within the team—were allegedly unaware of a critical exit clause in Max Verstappen’s contract. If confirmed, this could represent one of the most dramatic power shifts in recent F1 history.
A Clause Hidden in Plain Sight?
Max Verstappen, the three-time world champion and cornerstone of Red Bull’s success, is believed to be under contract with the team until the end of the 2028 season. His long-term deal was celebrated as a major coup when it was announced in 2022, securing Red Bull’s future around their star driver.
But according to several paddock insiders and recent leaks, Verstappen may have a performance-related or personnel-based exit clause that allows him to walk away from the contract earlier specifically if key figures within the team depart or if internal conditions deteriorate.
What’s more shocking? Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, allegedly was not aware of the full legal flexibility Verstappen retained a revelation that suggests a serious internal communication gap at the top of the championship-winning outfit.
Jos Verstappen’s Shadow Looms Large
The emergence of this clause seems to be connected to the influence of Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and longtime career advisor. Jos has often played a powerful behind-the-scenes role, especially in negotiations, and is known to be fiercely protective of Max’s interests.
It’s believed that Jos worked directly with Helmut Marko and Red Bull’s legal team to insert the clause as a safety mechanism—allowing Max to exit the team if trust was broken or the environment changed unfavorably.
Sources close to the Verstappen camp suggest that recent internal tensions, including the controversy surrounding Horner and rumors of Adrian Newey’s eventual departure, may have triggered serious discussions about activating the clause.
Horner’s Control Questioned
If the rumors are true, and Horner was indeed unaware of this critical clause, it would mark a serious crack in Red Bull’s leadership structure. As team principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing, Horner is expected to have complete oversight of key contracts—especially one involving the most valuable asset in the sport.
The alleged lack of knowledge has reportedly sparked internal concern, particularly with Helmut Marko’s role appearing more autonomous than previously assumed. It raises a bigger question: Is Red Bull as unified at the top as it appears on the podium?
This would also explain Max’s recent cryptic statements about “trust” and “the future,” which, at the time, were interpreted as vague references to team dynamics. Now, they could be read as calculated signals of unrest.
The Mercedes Factor
The timing of this revelation is particularly notable, as Mercedes is currently in search of a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, who will move to Ferrari in 2025. Team boss Toto Wolff has openly expressed admiration for Verstappen and recently said, “If he becomes available, of course we’ll talk.”
If Verstappen does indeed have a legal path out of Red Bull, Mercedes may be preparing the most aggressive contract offer in recent F1 memory, with figures rumored to exceed $150 million over several years.
What Happens Next?
Red Bull has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the alleged clause, but if Verstappen’s camp confirms its existence—or if Max himself makes a move—it could redefine the 2025 driver market.
Several questions remain:
- Will Verstappen activate the clause?
- Will Red Bull try to renegotiate or neutralize it before it’s used?
- And most importantly, does this signal the beginning of the end of the Verstappen–Red Bull era?
Conclusion: A Storm Behind the Speed
Red Bull Racing has been F1’s most dominant team in recent years, but the recent wave of internal strife and leadership shifts suggest that not all is well behind the scenes.
If the team truly missed a critical contractual loophole in their biggest driver’s deal, it will go down as one of the most costly oversights in F1 history.
And for Max Verstappen? He may now hold the most powerful card in the sport—not just speed, but freedom.