El Scorchio wrote: ↑13 Feb 2021, 12:46
Wouter wrote: ↑13 Feb 2021, 12:09
12. February 2021 , 18:54 Uhr Marko admits, Verstappen could leave Red Bull
Red Bull is under pressure in 2021: Due to a performance clause in Max Verstappen’s contract, the team has to fear about losing its superstar
Red Bull is under pressure. Reason: The Austrian racing team has to provide a package of chassis and Honda engine to its saviour and superstar Max Verstappen (23) this season with which he can become world champion by his own means. F1-Insider.com has learned: There is a performance clause in the contract, which runs until 2023, that Red Bull must fulfill.
Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko (77) said to F1-Insider.com: “Yes, there is a performance clause. I don’t want to go into details, but it more or less says that Max can compete for race wins and the world championship on his own merits. If he can do that, his contract is extended. If not, he would be free.”
But what is the meaning of “by his own merits”? This website has learned that it is an average of about three tenths of a second per lap that Verstappen’s Red Bull must not be behind the best car. Everyone assumes that will be the Mercedes.
https://f1-insider.com/en/verstappen-re ... ct-clause/
In order for him to leave, he has to actually have somewhere better to go. Don’t see a seat opening up at Mercedes or Ferrari any time soon, so Red Bull are safe.
Both Merc seats are for grabs next year as neither driver has a contract
Max is definitely hot property, and although I think Russel will replace Bottas, nothing is impossible here, and if Lewis wins & decides 8 titles is enough, and wants to get on with his life a Max/George line-up would be of world-class standing so I wouldn’t rule it out