Source: REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
[Saba Sports News] While Max Verstappen’s RB21 was struggling at the Bahrain Grand Prix, a confidential clause that could shake up the F1 landscape emerged. According to exclusive revelations by the British media, if the four-time F1 World Champion “remains in fourth place or lower in the drivers’ standings for a prolonged period during the 2025 season,” he would have the right to terminate his contract with Red Bull, which is set to expire in 2028. The exposure of this performance escape clause coincided with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitting to the media that his contract contained “performance-related clauses,” instantly igniting wild speculation about Verstappen’s future in the paddock. “The silver suit suits him,” a joke from Mercedes CEO Ola Kallenius in the past now sounds like a prophecy. Insiders revealed that as early as 2024, Mercedes had formed a trio consisting of team principal Toto Wolff, Ineos boss James Ratcliffe, and Daimler boss Ola Källenius to prepare for the pursuit of Verstappen. Even more lethal is that Aston Martin also has its eyes on Verstappen, and if they can team up with Adrian Newey and Honda engines, it would perfectly replicate the golden triangle of the Red Bull era.