Red Bull boss Mekies admits uncertainty over Verstappen's future

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has acknowledged that there is uncertainty over whether Max Verstappen will remain with the team beyond this season, as the four-time world champion's contract contains an exit clause dependent on performance.

Verstappen, who is under contract until 2028, is understood to have a clause allowing him to leave in 2027 if he is not inside the top two of the drivers' standings by the summer break this year. However, Red Bull's struggles have left him seventh in the championship, 60 points behind second-placed Lewis Hamilton, with just one podium from the first seven races.

What Mekies said

Speaking after practice at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Red Bull have introduced a major upgrade, Mekies said: "Max wants a fast car, always wanted a fast car. He completely trusts us in making sure we are doing everything we can, short-term and long-term, to ensure we return to success."

Mekies warned that the new parts may take time to deliver results, noting that the team started the season "very far away" and that a previous upgrade in Miami only reduced the gap to around four- or five-tenths of a second per lap. "This weekend is quite a crucial step to try to get much closer," he added.

• Verstappen's contract includes a performance-based exit clause for 2027.
• Red Bull are seventh in the constructors' standings after a difficult start.
• The team brought a major upgrade package to the Austrian GP.
• Mekies stressed that progress is needed to retain Verstappen.

Red Bull face a critical weekend at the Red Bull Ring, with the upgrade expected to be evaluated over several races. Whether Verstappen commits long-term will likely depend on the team's ability to close the gap to frontrunners McLaren and Ferrari.