Max Verstappen has a break clause in his contract that will allow him to sensationally walkaway from Red Bull â if one condition is met.
The three-time Formula 1 title winner has a deal with Red Bull until 2028, but there is now speculation he could shockingly leave the reigning champions.
This has come about thanks to the scandal surrounding team principal Christian Horner who was accused of âinappropriate behaviourâ by a female employee of his team.
Horner was cleared after an investigation, but texts and images supposedly related to the probe was leaked to the media and F1 personnel, casting a dark shadow over the matter.
The 50-year-old, husband of former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, has repeatedly denied the allegations and insists he is leading a united team as they look to move on from the saga.
But following the season opening Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend, which was one by Verstappen, the Dutchmanâs father, Jos Verstappen, sensationally called for Horner to be axed.
Verstappen snr has even gone so far as to privately suggest that his son could leave Red Bull if Horner remains in charge, with a seat at rivals Mercedes free following Sir Lewis Hamiltonâs move to Ferrari.
Following his first title win in 2021, Max Verstappen penned his long-term deal with Red Bull, which is worth around ÂŁ50million-a-year and has previously said he could not envision himself driving for anyone else.
However, according to the Daily Mail, a clause in the 26-year-oldâs contract will allow him to leave if Red Bull chief Helmut Marko departs the team.
Marko is the head of Red Bullâs driver development programme, and integral to Verstappenâs rise up the motor racing ladder and ascension to Red Bull team leader.
Christian Horner investigation timeline
How the scandal has unfolded…
Monday 5 February – Red Bull confirm investigation into Horner over ‘controlling behaviour’ allegations
Friday 9 February – Horner grilled by independent lawyer during eight-hour hearing
Thursday 15 February – Horner attends Red Bull’s 2024 car launch and publicly addresses allegations for first time – says he ‘fully denies’ any wrongdoing
Friday 16 February – Fresh allegations emerge in Dutch Newspaper De Telegraaf suggesting Horner sent messages of a ‘suggestive nature’ to a female employee
Wednesday 21 February to Friday 23 February – Horner attends Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain – says: âWe hope there is a resolution as soon as possibleâ
Friday 23 February – Sixth series of F1: Drive to Survive releases on Netflix – Horner and wife Geri Halliwell feature in docuseries
Wednesday 28 February – Horner cleared of allegations – Red Bull say: ‘The investigation is complete and the grievance has been dismissed. The complainant has a right of appeal’
Thursday 29 February to Saturday 2 March – Formula 1 season gets underway with the Bahrain Grand Prix
Thursday 29 February – WhatsApp messages and images supposedly between Horner and the complainant were leaked to the media and F1 personnel
Friday 1 March – Horner summoned for showdown talks with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Saturday 2 March – Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, warns Red Bull Racing ‘is in danger of being torn apart’ unless Horner leaves
The 80-year-old is a close ally of the Verstappenâs and has a contract with the Austrian outfit until 2026.
It is said that Verstappen supported Marko when there was an attempt to axe him amidst a power struggle at the team â with Horner supposedly behind those attempts.
Marko is a figure of controversy himself due to various comments he has made over the years, including xenophobic remarks made against Red Bullâs over driver Sergio Perez just last season.
Christian Horner investigation – what we know
Meanwhile, Horner held face-to-face talks with Max Verstappenâs representatives on Monday in Dubai in an attempt to clear the air between all parties.
This meeting was aimed at clearing the air between all parties, but Jos Verstappen
As for where Max Verstappen stands in all of this, the driver has often refused to comment on the scandal, though he did passionately defend his boss after qualifying for Bahrain.
It is said he is believed to be in general support of his fatherâs stance however.
No doubt he will be asked about the matter in the build-up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, though it has been already confirmed that Jos Verstappen wonât be in Jeddah for the next race.
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MORE : Christian Hornerâs accuser to be named as footage of Jos Verstappen row emerges
