Need to know
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff gave a rare interview, delving into Max Verstappen’s future, and the recent exits of long-serving duo Helmut Marko and Christian Horner
Everything you need to know after Oliver Mintzlaff addressed issues involving Max Verstappen, Helmut Marko and Christian Horner while speaking to De Telegraaf.
- No Verstappen exit fears : Mintzlaff is firmly convinced that Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull for the remainder of his Formula One career. He noted, “For me, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull,” citing a deep-seated mutual appreciation and loyalty between the driver and the brand.
- Exit clauses addressed: The CEO stated he is not concerned about specific performance clauses that might allow Verstappen to leave if the team struggles. He believes that as long as the team shows they are giving 100 per cent to provide a winning car, the Dutchman will honour his commitment regardless of short-term setbacks.
- No Horner sack regret: Mintzlaff addressed the mid-season firing of longtime team principal Christian Horner, describing it as a necessary step for the company’s future. He clarified that while Horner had a “fantastic track record,” the leadership felt it was the right time to “shake things up” with a new leader to improve the team’s atmosphere.
- Marko disagreements: In response to Helmut Marko’s explosive interview with De Telegraaf, Mintzlaff made it clear that he does not share the veteran advisor’s negative views on Horner. He described Marko’s claims of “dirty games” as personal opinions, emphasising that Horner had achieved great success and contributed significantly to the team’s engine department.
- Key investment ongoing: Mintzlaff highlighted Red Bull’s massive investment in its own power unit program as a key reason for Verstappen to stay. He believes the driver is impressed by the “unique step” the energy drink brand has taken to become an independent engine manufacturer for the 2026 regulations.
- Max not the boss: The CEO dismissed claims that Verstappen and his management team hold undue power over Red Bull’s internal decisions, calling such suggestions “nonsense.” He insisted there is “only one boss” at the company and that Verstappen remains a professional team player rather than a “diva.”
- Internal focus: Despite a challenging 2025 season in which the team lost the championship to McLaren, Mintzlaff remains optimistic about a turnaround. He argues that the current atmosphere has improved and that hiring the “right people” will demonstrate to Verstappen that Red Bull is working day and night to return to the top.
- Future Role for Verstappen: Beyond his driving duties, Mintzlaff expressed a desire for Verstappen to remain involved with Red Bull in a different capacity once he retires. He praised the driver’s “special” technical knowledge and feel for the car, suggesting his expertise would be invaluable to the team’s engineers in the long term.
