Max Verstappen is keeping options open outside Red Bull, says Sky Sports F1 pundit Naomi Schiff.
Contract Clause Breeding Speculation
Verstappen’s contract reportedly includes an exit clause that allows him to leave the team if his position in the drivers’ standings falls outside the top two by the summer break, which comes in two races’ time.
Schiff explained that the clause is already generating speculation, with the 28‑year‑old repeatedly linked to its rival driver houses, such as Mercedes and McLaren.
Red Bull’s Current Position
Although Red Bull boasts the best engine on paper, the team has yet to deliver a consistently competitive package, according to Schiff, who says the Dutchman’s “wandering eye” is a natural reaction to the current performance plateau.
He added that Max’s statement about not spending another ten years in Formula 1 shows a desire to maximise his time in the sport, which explains why he remains judiciously exploring alternatives.
Limited Alternatives in the Market
With front‑running seats largely occupied, Schiff emphasised that there are few open doors in the paddock. “Unfortunately, there are not a lot of open doors in this paddock,” she said during the Sky Sports F1 broadcast in Belgium.
After nine rounds, Verstappen sits seventh in the standings with 76 points, 103 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, leaving little margin for manoeuvre.
Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
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