NEW DELHI: The Formula 1 paddock is abuzz once again with speculation over Max Verstappen’s future, as rumours of a potential switch to Mercedes gathered momentum this week. But while former Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos has added fuel to the fire by citing contract clauses that could pave the way for a dramatic exit, Max’s father, Jos Verstappen, has hit back with a scathing dismissal—calling Doornbos’ comments the rantings of a “headless chicken.”
Contract Clauses Spark Exit Rumours
The latest round of speculation stems from claims by Doornbos during a recent appearance on Ziggo Sport’s Race Café De Stamtafel, where he alleged that Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull includes not one, but two performance-based exit clauses. According to him, the Dutch star could walk away if:
- He is not within the top two of the Drivers’ Championship at a particular point in the 2025 season.
- Red Bull falls out of the top three in the Constructors’ Championship.
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“The other one is about third place among the constructors, I’m 100 per cent sure it’s in there,” Doornbos claimed. “If a constructor can no longer deliver, then Max cannot deliver. And Red Bull is fourth.”
Doornbos went as far as to insist: “He’s leaving. Red Bull’s fairy tale stops at some point.”
Jos Verstappen Fires Back
Jos Verstappen, never one to mince words when it comes to defending his son, wasted no time in shutting down the narrative. In response to a Ziggo Sport Instagram post highlighting Doornbos’ remarks, Jos commented bluntly:
“Doornbos talks like a headless chicken.”
The elder Verstappen’s remark reflects a growing frustration within the Verstappen camp regarding the relentless media swirl around Max’s future—even as he remains contracted to Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season.
Max Plays It Cool
Max Verstappen, meanwhile, refused to fan the flames. Speaking to Viaplay, he declined to elaborate on the swirling rumours:
“I do not have to add much to that. The more I say about it, the more it will be reported in the media. And I certainly do not want that.”
“I determine my own future,” he added firmly.
Verstappen’s composed response comes amid a tense period for Red Bull. Following his DNF at the Austrian Grand Prix, Max’s lead over Mercedes driver George Russell in the Drivers’ Championship has narrowed to just nine points, with Red Bull also slipping to fourth in the Constructors’ standings.
Wolff’s Decision Looms
As speculation swirls, all eyes are on Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff. After failing to sign Verstappen to replace Lewis Hamilton for 2025—opting instead to promote junior driver Kimi Antonelli—Wolff has kept the door open for the 2026 season.
Speaking in Austria, Wolff confirmed a decision on Mercedes’ 2026 driver line-up is imminent.
“At a certain stage in the next couple of months—until the summer break, we need to know. Everything is going to be done.”
Pressed further on whether that meant before or after the break, Wolff joked: “Maybe in the middle.”
The Bigger Picture
While it’s unclear whether the contractual clauses cited by Doornbos actually exist, the very fact that Red Bull’s dominance appears under threat is enough to fuel uncertainty about the team’s long-term prospects—and Verstappen’s place in them.
For now, Max Verstappen remains Red Bull’s biggest asset and the face of its F1 campaign. But as results tighten, rival offers beckon, and pressure mounts within the Milton Keynes garage, the question remains:
Will the sport’s most dominant driver stay loyal—or take control of his own future in silver?
Only time will tell.
