New details surrounding Max Verstappen's Red Bull 'exit clause' - and how it can be activated - have reportedly emerged.
Verstappen told BBC Radio 5 Live's Jennie Gow after Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix that he was considering walking away from the sport.
The Dutchman finished in eighth place in Suzuka, having recorded a sixth-placed finish and a DNF in the opening two Grands Prix.
But Verstappen's main issue is not with the pace of his Red Bull, but rather the general drivability of the 2026 cars under the new regulations.
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"I know that you can't be dominating or be first or second or whatever, fighting for a podium every time," he said.
"I've not only been winning in F1, but at the same time, when you are in P7 or P8 and you are not enjoying the whole formula behind it, it doesn't feel natural to a racing driver."
His father, Jos, claims that racing the new cars 'doesn't challenge' the four-time world champion, with Verstappen unhappy with the increased amount of importance on battery harvesting and deployment throughout the lap.
The current power split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery power stands at 50/50, with teams pushing to move the split closer to the ICE and reduce super-clipping - deceleration caused when the battery is no longer able to power the rear wheels towards the end of long straights.
In contrast to his complaints over the regulations, Verstappen has spoken positively about working with the Red Bull team this season.
But should he decide to depart the team at season's end after 10 years, there is reportedly an exit clause.
That's according to German outlet Bild, who claim that Verstappen can leave Red Bull if he finishes below second in the Drivers' Championship.
That is a position higher than last season's clause, which reportedly stipulated that he could leave if he was lower than third in the standings after the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix.
The clause was voided in any case and Verstappen decided to remain at Red Bull for 2026.
But if Red Bull's lack of performance continues this season, it could leave the 28-year-old with a decision to make ahead of next season.
His likely destination would appear to be Mercedes, though George Russell is contracted until at least the end of 2027 and Kimi Antonelli has a deal through 2029.
However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Austrian outlet OE24 in Suzuka: "We have two drivers with whom we have long-term, multi-year contracts. I could not be happier with either of them. Both are delivering top performances.
"So there is absolutely no reason to even consider a line-up change, or other drivers. I say this with utmost respect for Max."
Topics:Ā Max Verstappen, Formula 1, Red Bull Racing
Ryan Smart