Former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher has made the extraordinary claim that Max Verstappen deliberately sabotaged his own performance at the Spanish Grand Prix to activate an exit clause in his Red Bull contract.
The German's allegations come after Verstappen's controversial actions during Sunday's race, where he received a 10-second penalty for dangerous driving against George Russell.
The incident saw Verstappen drop from fifth to tenth place, ultimately affecting his championship position.
Schumacher suggested the reigning world champion may be intentionally trying to fall outside the top three in the drivers' standings, which could reportedly trigger a contractual provision allowing him to leave Red Bull.
Ralf Schumacher has accused Max Verstappen of trying to activate his exit clause
GETTYSpeaking to Sky Germany, Schumacher said: "One has to pay attention now if such a clause exists why such things suddenly happen? And why do you incur a penalty that is so unnecessary? It could also be that once you've made the decision for yourself, you no longer want to ensure that it remains that way."
The four-time world champion's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 and reportedly contains multiple exit clauses.
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One such clause allegedly permits Verstappen to leave if he falls outside the top three drivers at a specific point in the season, though the exact timing remains unclear.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has firmly rejected these allegations, reportedly shaking his head when questioned by BILD.
The incident occurred after Verstappen was instructed to return fourth place to Russell, having already been overtaken by Charles Leclerc.
The Dutch driver responded furiously over team radio before swerving into his Mercedes rival as Russell attempted to pass.
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The collision happened on lap 64X @SkySportsF1Verstappen eventually relinquished the position but received a 10-second penalty for dangerous driving.
The punishment proved costly, dropping him from fifth to tenth place in the final classification.
The 27-year-old later acknowledged the incident "should not have happened".
The penalty's impact extended beyond the race result, as Verstappen tumbled to third in the drivers' championship with 137 points.
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The championship implications are significant, with Verstappen now trailing McLaren's Lando Norris by 39 points.
Oscar Piastri, Norris's team-mate, sits 49 points ahead of the Red Bull driver in second place.
Russell capitalised on the Barcelona incident, moving to within 26 points of Verstappen in the standings.
Max Verstappen is just one point away from an automatic one race banGettyThe Mercedes driver's proximity adds weight to Schumacher's theory about Verstappen potentially wanting to drop out of the top three.
Should Russell overtake Verstappen in the championship, it could theoretically activate the exit clause Schumacher referenced.
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