Red Bull CEO Confident Max Verstappen Will End Career with Team

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has expressed strong confidence that Max Verstappen will remain with the team for the remainder of his Formula 1 career, dismissing fears over performance clauses and rival interest. This comes after a turbulent start to 2025 where speculation swirled around Verstappen's future amid Red Bull's early-season struggles against McLaren.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's long-term commitment is critical for Red Bull's stability and competitive aspirations. As the team transitions into being a full works outfit with its own power unit from 2026, securing its star driver provides continuity and signals internal confidence. His potential departure would have triggered a seismic shift in the driver market and destabilized the team's project.

The details:

• Mintzlaff directly addressed the performance clause rumors that dominated headlines earlier in 2025, stating, "I am not afraid of any performance clause in his contract."
• He emphasized that the key for Verstappen is seeing the team's full commitment, noting the driver was "impressed by the way the results and the atmosphere in the team have turned this year" following a mid-season resurgence.
• The CEO pointed to Red Bull's massive investment in its in-house engine program as a unique and significant commitment from an energy drink company, designed to convince Verstappen of their long-term ambition.
• Mintzlaff concluded with a definitive statement on Verstappen's future: "For me there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull."

The big picture:

Despite the CEO's confidence, Verstappen himself has previously stated that his commitment to F1 post-2028 is not absolute and depends on his enjoyment of the new regulatory cycle. The 2026 season, featuring new chassis and power unit rules, represents a major reset where Red Bull must prove its competitive mettle as a true manufacturer. Mintzlaff acknowledges this, stating the team must provide a winning car, but believes mutual loyalty and appreciation will keep the partnership intact.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Red Bull's 2026 car and power unit development. The team's ability to deliver a front-running package under the new regulations will be the ultimate test of Mintzlaff's confidence and the most significant factor in fulfilling his prediction of a career-long alliance with Verstappen.