Jan.19 (GMM) Max Verstappen’s long-term future is once more below scrutiny simply days earlier than the primary group check of the 2026 vehicles, with recent studies suggesting his Crimson Bull contract may open the door to a departure as early as 2027.
In response to Sport Bild, a efficiency clause negotiated by the now-departed Dr Helmut Marko would permit Verstappen to go away if he’s not both P1 or P2 within the championship by mid-season in Crimson Bull’s first 12 months with Ford energy.
The report has additional fuelled hypothesis a few potential transfer to Mercedes, which many within the paddock anticipate to begin the brand new engine period strongly.
The Mercedes connection has been strengthened off monitor. Verstappen has made no secret of his want to contest the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026, however qualifying requires participation within the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie – whose early rounds conflict with System 1 races.
German studies say Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius and staff boss Toto Wolff have already approached organisers to discover a rescheduling, as Verstappen’s GT3 staff is about to modify to Mercedes equipment.
NLS chief Mike Yager confirmed solely that “a request” had been obtained, including that choices had been being explored.
At Crimson Bull, the response has been measured. Ford Efficiency director Mark Rushbrook harassed that Verstappen’s presence, whereas helpful, is just not existential for the marque’s involvement in F1.
“Max is a vital a part of the staff, however to not the purpose the place we’re saying, ‘If he leaves, we’re leaving too,’” Rushbrook stated. “We place confidence in the staff and know that different drivers will arrive sooner or later.”
Verstappen himself has tried to dampen the noise. Chatting with De Telegraaf, the four-time world champion acknowledged that 2026 could possibly be pivotal however insisted he stays calm.
“Might 2026 be decisive? Really, sure,” he stated. “However I’ll handle one way or the other, and ultimately every little thing will return to regular. My purpose is to drive for Crimson Bull till the top of my contract.”
Marko, in the meantime, has struck a extra candid tone since his exit from Crimson Bull. He has repeatedly warned that Mercedes seems furthest superior with the brand new engines and has brazenly questioned whether or not Crimson Bull may maintain Verstappen if the Ford venture struggles.
“Clearly, we will’t maintain Max if the brand new engine isn’t working,” Marko stated, including that the brand new rules carry main dangers.
For now, Verstappen says even Crimson Bull doesn’t but know the place it really stands. “None of us have any thought in regards to the new automobile or the engine,” he admitted. “In Barcelona, we’ll in all probability spend extra time within the storage than on monitor.”
