Max Verstappen has reportedly been offered a revised five-year contract by Red Bull, with the Milton Keynes team desperate to keep hold of the four-time world champion as F1 returns to action at Verstappen’s home race this weekend
Coming out of the summer break, Verstappen’s future still appears uncertain amid continuing links with McLaren and Mercedes while Red Bull struggle to fight for victories in 2026. Options realistically appear slim, however, with McLaren happy with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Mercedes have been told they don’t need Verstappen given Antonelli’s incredible 2026 form.
Voicing his discontent with an “undriveable” RB22 at various stages across the 2026 campaign so far, as well as with the controversial F1 regulations introduced this year, the idea of Verstappen stepping away from F1 entirely has been raised, with the Dutchman himself pondering whether the ‘Mario Kart’ racing was really “worth it” earlier on in the year.
Further complicating matters is an exit clause in Verstappen’s Red Bull contract, with the Dutchman not in the top 2 of the Drivers’ standings at the halfway point of the season, he has until October at the latest to inform the team if he wants to leave. According to F1-Insider, an €8 million sum was offered to Verstappen’s management to buy out the exit clause, which was declined.
Reports then emerged in July from German newspaper Bild of a new contract offer. Currently, Verstappen’s contract runs until 2028, but the German outlet claimed Red Bull were now offering a further year, a salary increase, and with no exit clause attached. No official response has emerged since that report.