Ralf Schumacher claims that the exit clause in Max Verstappen’s Crimson Bull contract does exist.
Amid the controversy inside F1’s dominant group this season, it was reported that their star driver may get out of his big-money deal earlier than its expiration in 2028.
The clause reportedly allowed Verstappen to give up if Helmut Marko leaves the group.
“Sure, that is a truth,” ex-F1 driver Schumacher advised Sky.
“That is what I heard and the sources are good.
“I do not know whether or not Verstappen will do this.
“I feel everyone seems to be taking pictures themselves within the foot right here.
“You may see what’s taking place right here.
“Nevertheless it’s a lot worse for all the workers behind it and likewise for the Crimson Bull model.”
After Christian Horner was cleared of wrongdoing after allegations in opposition to him from a Crimson Bull colleague, his accuser was suspended by the corporate.
Immediately Marko’s future at Crimson Bull was doubtful till public backing from Verstappen and talks with Crimson Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, earlier than Horner denied involvement in a plot to oust him.
Horner has loved backing from 51% shareholder Chalerm Yoovidhya throughout this saga.
“On this case, I do not perceive the Thai facet and Christian Horner in any respect,” Schumacher stated.
“Why they’re pushing this by way of with all their may as a result of: What can we owe to Didi Mateschitz? The truth that we are actually reacting like that is flawed, in my view.”
Verstappen has received each F1 grands prix in 2024 to date, with teammate Sergio Perez second on each events.
Verstappen is already on target for a fourth consecutive championship regardless of query marks over his future.
Toto Wolff has insisted he would welcome Verstappen at Mercedes.
Horner reacted in Saudi Arabia: “It is like something in life, you may’t drive any individual to be someplace simply due to a bit of paper.
“If any individual did not wish to be at this group, then you understand, we’re not going to drive any individual in opposition to their will to be right here.
“That applies whether or not it is a machine operator or a designer or any individual in one of many assist features, that runs by way of the enterprise.
“Being concerned in a group like this includes dedication and keenness. And Max has that, we have seen that.
“He is been right here since he was 18 years of age. And I’ve little question of his dedication and keenness going ahead. However you understand, that is just about the best way it’s. No particular person is larger than the group.”
