Red Bull Reportedly Eyes Multi-Million Verstappen Contract Buyout as Mercedes Drops Monaco Appeal

Red Bull's Thai majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, is reportedly preparing to pay a figure in the low double-digit millions to buy out Max Verstappen's contract release clauses and secure the four-time world champion's future with the team. The speculation comes as Verstappen's manager reaffirmed loyalty to Red Bull while emphasizing the need to win, and as Mercedes formally withdrew its bid to review George Russell's controversial Monaco Grand Prix penalties following talks with the FIA.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's future represents the most significant variable in the Formula 1 driver market, with exit clauses in his 2028 contract capable of reshaping the competitive order if triggered. Meanwhile, Mercedes' decision to abandon its Right of Review signals a pivot toward collaborative resolution with the FIA rather than prolonged public disputes over penalty consistency.

The details:

• Speaking to Sport Bild, manager Raymond Vermeulen confirmed Verstappen's contract runs through 2028 and contains exit clauses, though he stressed they have never been used and the intention remains to finish his career with Red Bull.
• Contract Security: Rumors indicate Red Bull's Thai owner wants to eliminate those clauses entirely by buying them out, ensuring no rival team can trigger a departure.
• Mercedes Appeal: The team initially sought a Right of Review in Barcelona after the FIA rescinded Pierre Gasly's Monaco penalty, arguing Russell's pit lane speeding penalty deserved similar reconsideration.
• Official Withdrawal: Mercedes cited productive discussions with the FIA and Formula One in its decision to step back, noting both entities showed clear determination to address the unique Monaco circumstances without formal proceedings.

What's next:

• Verstappen's camp has tied his future to competitiveness, meaning Red Bull's rumored buyout effort reflects a strategic move to remove doubt while keeping him in a winning car.
• With Mercedes' appeal now closed, the FIA is expected to review and clarify its penalty procedures proactively ahead of the upcoming races to prevent a repeat of Monaco's confusion.