Dutch driver Max Verstappen, of Red Bull, is close to joining McLaren, according to global reports revealed on Thursday. The international motorsport website 'Motor Sport' stated that the Dutch star is seriously considering leaving Red Bull, as negotiations between him and McLaren have reached their final stages, noting that the Dutch driver is currently putting the finishing touches on the details of the potential contract. Verstappen failed to score any points at Silverstone due to a rear wing failure, and he is mathematically out of contention to finish the first half of the current season within the top two positions in the drivers' championship before the summer break. According to several press reports, Verstappen's contract with Red Bull includes a clause allowing him to leave, which can be activated based on his position in the standings during the summer. If this clause is activated, the Dutch driver would be free to sign with another team, despite his contract with Red Bull running until the end of the 2028 season. The reports indicated that Red Bull offered Verstappen a new contract that removes the exit clause, but the Dutch driver rejected the offer.