In a revealing and rare interview, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has directly addressed the major questions swirling around the Formula 1 team's future, providing clarity on star driver Max Verstappen's commitment and the recent high-profile departures of Christian Horner and Helmut Marko.
Verstappen's Loyalty and Long-Term Vision
Mintzlaff expressed absolute confidence that triple world champion Max Verstappen will see out his entire Formula 1 career with Red Bull Racing. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the CEO dismissed any fears of a premature exit, stating there is "no doubt" the Dutchman will retire in the team's colours.
He pointed to a powerful sense of mutual loyalty and appreciation between the driver and the brand as the foundation of this belief. Furthermore, Mintzlaff is not worried about any specific performance-related clauses in Verstappen's contract that could be triggered if the team struggles. He is convinced that as long as Red Bull demonstrates it is giving "100 per cent" to build a winning car, Verstappen will honour his commitment, even through short-term setbacks.
A key factor in securing Verstappen's future, according to Mintzlaff, is Red Bull's massive investment in developing its own power unit for the 2026 regulation changes. He believes Verstappen is impressed by this "unique step" towards becoming an independent engine manufacturer.
Addressing the Horner and Marko Departures
The CEO also tackled the mid-season firing of long-serving team principal Christian Horner, describing it as a necessary move for the company's future direction. While acknowledging Horner's "fantastic track record," Mintzlaff said leadership felt it was the right time for a change to "shake things up" and improve the team's internal atmosphere with fresh leadership.
In response to advisor Helmut Marko's explosive recent comments, where he alleged "dirty games" surrounding Horner's exit, Mintzlaff was clear. He does not share the veteran's negative views, describing Marko's claims as personal opinions. Mintzlaff emphasised Horner's significant success and his crucial contributions to the team's engine department.
Internal Focus and Future Ambitions
Despite a challenging 2025 season which saw the constructors' championship slip to McLaren, Mintzlaff remains optimistic about a swift turnaround. He argues the team's current atmosphere has already improved and that bringing in the "right people" will prove to Verstappen that Red Bull is working tirelessly to reclaim the top spot.
He firmly dismissed any notion that Verstappen or his management wield excessive power within the team, labelling such suggestions "nonsense." Mintzlaff insisted there is "only one boss" at Red Bull and that Verstappen remains a dedicated team player, not a "diva."
Looking far ahead, the CEO revealed a desire for Verstappen to remain involved with Red Bull in a new capacity after he hangs up his helmet. He praised the driver's "special" technical insight and feel for the car, suggesting this expertise would be invaluable to the team's engineering department in the long term.
