Red Bull's Max Verstappen will not be able to trigger the performance clause in his contract with the team as he heads into the F1 summer break within the top three of the championship

While the reason for Horner's ousting has not been revealed, Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has pointed out that performance concerns led to his exit, and that the decision was taken by the managing director of Red Bull GmbH, Oliver Mintzlaff. Newsweek Sports reported his comments:

Max Verstappen is poised to remain with Red Bull in 2026 as the clause which could have permitted a move elsewhere in Formula 1 won’t become active this season. Verstappen’s prospects have dominated the headlines over the past month since the revelation that his camp has been engaged in active discussions with Mercedes.