Red Bull's Max Verstappen will not be able to trigger the performance clause in his contract with the team as he heads into the F1 summer break within the top three of the championship

Max Verstappen will definitively drive for Red Bull Racing in 2026. At least, this was reported by external advisor Helmut Marko on the Sport.de website. This brings the Dutchman's extended stay a step closer,

Moreover, team principal Christian Horner was dismissed from his role by Red Bull, though Verstappen has since said his exit will not have any bearing on his own future. Throughout the entire saga, it has been known that there is a performance-related release clause in Verstappen’s contract which runs until 2028.