In a new, amazing turn in the Formula 1 season, the FIA confirmed that Max Verstappen consciously finished outside the stage during the Grand Prix of Hungary. What was initially seen as a strategic failure on the track, now appears to have been a carefully planned move by the Dutchman to activate a secret clause in his Red Bull contract-a clause that would have enabled him to leave the team before the summer break.

The clause in question, according to sources close to the team, gave Verstappen an escape option if a series of sporting or performance -related conditions was met. One of them: do not end in the top three in a pre -agreed race. Verstappen would be dissatisfied with the internal state of affairs at Red Bull, including the constant power struggle around Christian Horner and the departure of some key figures in the technical team.

Remarkably, the attempt to activate the clause eventually became a failure. From a legal point of view, the timing or formulation of the request turned out to be incorrect – an error that Verstappen is now attached to his current contract. The driver, who did everything to activate the clause in a “discrete but valid” way, thus became the victim of an administrative misstep from his own management team.

The consequences of this failed attempt are far -reaching. The atmosphere within the Red Bull team is icy. According to Insiders, there is a “full breach of trust” between Verstappen and the team management. Several team members would be surprised and even betrayed by the action of their star driver, while others show tacit understanding for his frustrations.

The FIA now confirmed that there is no sporting manipulation or regulatory violation, since Verstappen “acted within the boundaries of racing ethics”. Nevertheless, the unveiling causes great fuss within the F1 community. Fans respond divided: some praise Verstappen for his determination to maintain control of his career, while others see his action as a blemish on his reputation.

Red Bull himself issued a short statement: “All contractual provisions are evaluated internally. Max remains a crucial part of our team until further notice.”

What all this means for the future of Verstappen is still unclear. Does he remain loyal and is he trying to finish the rest of the season professionally? Or will this incident be the first Dominosteen in a greater power shift within the team – or even the entire Formula 1?

One thing is certain: the tension at Red Bull reaches a boiling point. And the story is not nearly over yet.