Verappen before switching to Mercedes: Does he stay with Red Bull or not?

Von WOM

Max Verstappen erwägt einen Wechsel zu Mercedes. Red Bull bestreitet Spekulationen um seine Vertragsdauer bis 2028.
Max Verstappen is considering a move to Mercedes. Red Bull denies speculation about his contract until 2028. (Symbolbild/DNAT)

Spielberg, Österreich - Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing are currently facing a critical situation that is characterized by a tense relationship. After a disappointing home race in Spielberg and a collision with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, the discussions about Verstappen's future have become more intensive. According to reports from replace.

Red Bulls Motorsport Director Helmut Marko, however, tries to invalidate these rumors. He emphasizes that Verstappen is bound to Red Bull by 2028, although there is an exit clause that has not yet reached due to sporting failures. Marko expresses his frustration that the constant questions for a potential change are perceived as annoying, whereby the starting point remains unchanged.

intensification of the conversations

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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff confirmed that "talks behind closed doors" take place. Verstappen is currently taking third place in the driver's ranking, only nine points ahead of Russell and 36 points ahead of Charles Leclerc. A maximum score of 83 may still be achieved in the next three races, including a sprint weekend in Belgium. If Verstappen, after the Hungarian Grand Prix on August 3, is not among the top four of the driver's ranking, he could take advantage of the exit clause.

Contract situation and financial aspects

The current situation in the driver market is characterized by uncertainties and potential changes. A significant amount, possibly over £ 100 million, would be necessary to buy Verstappen from his contract at Red Bull. If Russell is released by Mercedes, Red Bull and Aston Martin are considered likely to be able to options. A clear picture of the contracts of the current Formula 1 pilots shows that Verstappen is bound to Red Bull by 2028, while Russell remains until 2025.

Speculation about Verstappen Future is heated up by the problems away from the route and poor performance at Red Bull. Christian Horner, the team boss of Red Bull, expressed confidence in a continuation of the cooperation with Verstappen and described the rumors as "noise". The clear and valid contractual relationship by 2028 gives the team hope that Verstappen will continue to be in the cockpit in the future.

The anticipation for the upcoming races is accompanied by the uncertainty of how the driver's constellation could develop in the next season. A lot depends on the performance in the remaining races and how Verstappen will accept the challenges.

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OrtSpielberg, Österreich
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