'Max would be the only one...' - Max Verstappen has key F1 contract detail leaked by rival

Williams Racing driver Carlos Sainz has seemingly revealed that Max Verstappen has a unique clause written into his Red Bull F1 contract.

Verstappen has endured a difficult 2026 F1 campaign. Having previously won four successive Drivers' Championships between 2020 and 2024, he currently sits seventh in the standings, with his only podium finish coming at the Canadian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman has been a vocal critic of the new regulations, which introduced a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric battery power ahead of the current campaign.

However, the power ratio is set to change again in 2027, shifting to a 58/42 split between internal combustion and electric power.

Some of Verstappen’s early-season comments appeared to hint that he could leave the sport altogether, despite being contracted to Red Bull until 2028. The contract reportedly contains an exit clause which could see him leave in 2027.

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Speaking to German outlet BILD, Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, discussed the Red Bull driver’s future: "We have a contract until 2028. Of course, there are exit clauses; there always have been. But we've never exercised one.

"We want to continue on this path with Red Bull and for Max to end his career here – but, of course, with the chance to win."

As reported by PlanetF1, Verstappen met with members of the team’s hierarchy before the Barcelona Grand Prix, with senior figures seeking assurances over his future and wanting him to commit beyond the current campaign.

However, he reportedly refused to do so, while also declining an offer to buy out his exit clause.

"We'd like the decision to be made soon so that everyone knows where they stand," Vermeulen added.

"It could be made before the summer break."

Sainz 'leaks' Verstappen contract clause

While details of Verstappen’s exit clause have already been made public, fellow F1 driver Sainz has claimed the Dutchman also has clauses exempting him from certain media and marketing commitments.

"I think that in a 24-race championship, with all the marketing and interviews we do, that's impossible. No driver could manage it," Sainz told Mundo Deportivo when discussing whether drivers could still compete in one-off events such as the Elf Masters indoor karting competition.

Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton are among the big names to have previously competed in the event, which ran from 1993 to 2011.

"Well... Max would be the only one, because he's the only one who doesn't do marketing or interviews," the Spaniard added.

"He has it written into his contracts, he can afford to do so, and Red Bull accepts it.

"As for the rest of us, we simply don't have the time or the spare capacity to put our energy into a race like that."

Sainz and Verstappen will both compete at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday (June 28).