Max Verstappen's got himself a pretty handy escape route from Red Bull, and the team's struggles in 2026 might just hand him the keys. The four-time champion can trigger his first release clause as early as October, but here's where it gets spicy, there's potentially another one sitting in his back pocket that could let him walk away by the end of 2026 entirely. Verstappen's been absolutely fuming about Red Bull's RB22, calling it "undrivable" and blaming both the car and the new engine regulations for making his life a nightmare.

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The initial clause stems from Verstappen needing to finish in the top two of the drivers' standings by the Singapore Grand Prix to keep it void. He's currently sitting sixth after the summer break, which means he's already triggered the right to leave through 2028. But that's not where it ends. According to reports, Verstappen's contract also includes a team-based escape hatch, if Red Bull finish outside the top two in the constructors' championship at season's end, the Dutchman gets another chance to void his deal and head for the exit.

Red Bull's championship position is looking decidedly dodgy right now. They're fourth in the standings, a massive 130 points adrift of Ferrari and falling further behind as the season progresses. The team's early aero and chassis problems, which Verstappen branded a "disaster", haven't been resolved like they have at Mercedes and Ferrari. With that kind of form, Red Bull finishing outside the top two constructors' slots is looking increasingly possible, handing Verstappen his golden ticket out.

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What makes this even more interesting is that Red Bull apparently tried to buy out Verstappen's first release clause, reportedly offering him low double-digit millions to keep him locked in. He wasn't having it. Despite sitting down with Red Bull GmbH bosses Oliver Mintzlaff and Mark Mateschitz multiple times, Verstappen's refused to commit publicly to staying beyond 2026, and he's clearly using these clauses as leverage to push the team into action.

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The real story here is Verstappen's leverage game. He's got no real alternative at the front of the grid in 2027, so he's weaponizing these escape routes to force Red Bull's hand. He's reportedly demanding guarantees that the team can fight for the 2027 title, or at minimum get back to winning races. Red Bull balked at his salary demands for a long-term deal, but Verstappen's holding the cards now. Walk, retire, or get promises. Those are the options on the table.

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