Did Yuki Tsunoda Just Unknowingly Trigger Verstappen’s Red Bull Exit? A Hidden Clause, Mercedes Spies, and a Twist No One Saw Coming.

Red Bull’s overreliance on Max Verstappen is clearer than ever right now. With Yuki Tsunoda their sole remaining runner in Austria, they finished last.

Tsunoda’s result wasn’t necessarily reflective of his pace. He picked up a 10-second penalty for an incident with Franco Colapinto, but he had been eliminated in Q1 the previous day.

With Verstappen taken out by Kimi Antonelli at the start of the race, Red Bull’s run of 77 races in the points came to an end. They have now fallen 47 points behind third-place Mercedes in the constructors’.

After Liam Lawson failed to score in his two-race stint, Tsunoda has only contributed seven points. With two drivers at that level of production, Christian Horner’s squad would be ninth in the championship – only above Alpine.

Red Bull need to be in the top three to block Max Verstappen’s exit clause

Verstappen’s Red Bull contract runs until the end of 2028, but it includes at least one exit clause. According to Joe Saward, this is connected to the team’s position in the constructors’ championship.

Saward has been ‘asking around’ the paddock ‘for some time’ and learned that the Bulls must be inside the top three by the end of July to nullify Verstappen’s clause.

There are two races remaining before that point – this weekend’s British Grand Prix and the Belgian GP on 27 July. Based on Tsunoda’s current form, it’s highly unlikely that Red Bull make up nearly 50 points on the two teams ahead in that period.

Thus, the Japanese driver may play an accidental role in his teammate’s departure. And Red Bull may suffer an unthinkable blow after failing to halt the cycle of woe in their second seat.

What does Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract actually say?

It’s worth noting that there is some disagreement as to the exact terms of Verstappen’s contract.

Previous reports claimed Verstappen had to fall outside the top three in the standings to open the exit door. His retirement in Austria saw George Russell, currently P4, pull to within nine points.

But there was talk over the Austria weekend that Verstappen needed to be in the top two to guarantee that he’d stay for 2026. He’s 46 points behind Spielberg winner Lando Norris.

Ultimately, though, Toto Wolff clearly believes he has a chance of signing Verstappen for 2026. If not, the team would have locked in their line-up of Russell and Kimi Antonelli already.

Related Posts

Red Bull Facing Major Crisis After Max Verstappen’s Unexpected Confession – Is the Team in Danger of Collapsing?

1. Max Verstappen’s Future: The Crucial Decision Max Verstappen’s future has become a huge talking point in F1. The discussion revolves around whether he will stay at…

Formula 1 fans are buzzing after Lewis Hamilton’s explosive reaction to Ferrari’s latest upgrade. His final verdict has sent shockwaves across the paddock, leaving many wondering whether Ferrari has finally cracked the code. Could this upgrade really give them the edge over their rivals?

Ferrari’s Tension Behind the Curtain: Hamilton, Leclerc, and the Road Ahead The winds of change are stirring at Ferrari, where two of the sport’s biggest stars—Lewis Hamilton…

Toto Wolff’s Shocking Comments on Max Verstappen’s Future Leave F1 Fans Reeling – Mercedes’ Unexpected 2026 Plans Will Change the Game!

The world of Formula 1 is experiencing seismic shifts, both on and off the track. From major team ownership changes to pivotal driver market rumors, and the…

F1 Drivers Are Sounding the Alarm as a New Safety Concern Surfaces Just Days Before the Belgian Grand Prix. The Discovery Has Left Teams and Drivers Questioning Whether the Track and Equipment Are Safe Enough, Raising Serious Doubts About the Upcoming Race.

The Excitement of the Belgian Grand Prix: Spa, Weather, and Upgrades Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most highly anticipated events of…

Carlos Sainz BREAKS SILENCE: The Shocking Truth Behind Ferrari’s Betrayal and Red Bull’s Rejection – What Really Happened and How It Nearly Ruined His F1 Career!

Carlos Sainz’s Rollercoaster 2024 F1 Season: A Story of Betrayal, Triumph, and Uncertainty Carlos Sainz’s journey over the past year has been a tumultuous ride in Formula…

Honda Stuns F1 World by Turning Its Back on Red Bull After Unforeseen Decision, Leaving the Team Struggling to Find a Solution – What’s Behind the Unexpected Rejection?

Honda’s Bold Move: Why Red Bull Can’t Rely on a Power Unit Savior in 2026 In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where milliseconds matter and innovation…