'Verstappen could still leave Red Bull in 2026 due to new clause'

In Verstappen's performance clause this year, he could terminate his contract with Red Bull if he stood fourth or lower in the championship standings going into the summer break.

The gap with George Russell after the Belgium Grand Prix is 28 points; therefore, even if Verstappen does not see the checkered flag at the Hungarian Grand Prix, he would still be ahead of the Mercedes driver.

The performance clause for Verstappen at Red Bull will look quite different in 2026, according to Sky Sports.

"We understand, by the way, there's a performance clause in for next year that if he's second or worse, then he can move to where he needs to get to," Simon Lazenby stated on Sky Sports' F1 Show, where he was accompanied by Nico Rosberg.

There has been much talk about a move by the reigning champion but for the time being, Verstappen seems to 'just' stay at Red Bull Racing.

Helmut Marko, advisor for the Austrian team, confirmed on Monday after the race at Spa-Francorchamps that Verstappen will remain with the Red Bull team. There are also ongoing discussions between George Russell and Mercedes about a new contract at Mercedes. GPblog has understood that this is a multi-year deal.