Rumors about negotiations between Max Verstappen and McLaren have already circulated around the Austrian Grand Prix. Although the Dutch superstar’s camp denied ongoing talks, speculation has not stopped. According to the latest media report, the four-time Formula 1 world champion and Papaya are now close to reaching an agreement.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Max Verstappen’s departure from Red Bull has become at least a little closer recently. The tabloid reported the first discussions between the four-time world champion and rival RB McLaren around the Austrian Grand Prix. “McLaren likes this idea,” the British newspaper quotes an anonymous insider as saying on the matter.
Now the PlanetF1 portal is making people think: according to it, several sources in the paddock can hear that the racing team and Verstappen are “in the final stages of lengthy negotiations about changes.” Once an agreement is reached, the Dutchman will have to choose between staying at Red Bull and McLaren. His decision is “inevitable,” the report said.
Formula 1: Verstappen should be bought out due to exit clause
The move to Formula 1 will allow Verstappen to include an exit clause in his employment contract, which runs until 2028. According to ongoing media reports, the four-time Formula One champion could take advantage of this if he is not first or second in the world championship standings by the summer break in top motorsport.
The Red Bull driver is currently far from the top. According to PlanetF1, the team recently tried to buy out Verstappen’s release clause for millions. But it is reported that the racing driver did not agree to this. Overall, after a disappointing last few weeks, the brewer’s senior management is reportedly growing increasingly irritated with the Dutchman and his camp.
Accordingly, the situation surrounding Verstappen at Silverstone is said to have become so serious recently that co-owner Marc Mateschitz has expressed a desire to end his association with the exceptional talent.