Max Verstappen has been the golden boy for Red Bull since 2016. They have invested in their star driver heavily to make him into a world champion, trying as hard as they can to keep him at the team. However, Helmut Marko recently admitted that the Dutchman’s contract has a performance clause that allows him to leave the team under certain conditions.

Verstappen was the sole driver putting pressure on the Brackley squad in 2020. But the Milton Keynes team’s car was not fast enough to beat Mercedes. According to the clause, the Dutch superstar is free to seek out another team if Red Bull fail to deliver a car that gives him a real shot at the title.

“Yes, there is a performance clause. I don’t want to go into details, but it more or less says that Max can compete for race wins and the world championship on his own merits. If he can do that, his contract is extended. If not, he would be free,” stated Marko.

ALSO – WATCH: Max Verstappen Displays his Masterclass as a 12 Year Old on Kart

To retain Max Verstappen, Red Bull has to improve

Despite two wins for Red Bull and Verstappen last season, the team was still about half a second behind Mercedes. They have invested immensely in the young Dutch and are working hard to win back the championship. Marko admitted a lot has to come from Red Bull to make that a reality.

“That’s our goal and I believe in it, not only because of Max, but because it’s in our DNA that we want to win. We are on track and I think we can fulfil the clause.”

Trending

Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”

April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT

Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again

April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT

“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”

April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT

Charles Leclerc: “I’ve Been Suffering More Than [Carlos] Sainz Has”

April 18, 2024 12:13 PM EDT

F1 Rumor: Carlos Sainz Offered 2-Year Deal for Mercedes by Toto Wolff

April 12, 2024 12:16 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

But what if Red Bull fails the performance clause?

Well, in that case, Verstappen will want to move on to a better team, which most likely would be Mercedes. It is interesting to note that Mercedes has two empty cockpits by the end of 2022.

The Dutchman has matured over time and proved his racecraft and skills. If he were to win a championship, Red Bull would really want to be the team he does that with.

Would you like to see Verstappen win a championship with Red Bull? Let us know!