Red Bull Executive Confident Verstappen Will End Career with Team
Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff says he has "no doubt" Max Verstappen will finish his F1 career with the team, emphasizing a shared winning philosophy over contract clauses. His comments aim to quell speculation about Verstappen's future beyond 2026, linking the driver's loyalty directly to Red Bull's continued ability to deliver a competitive car.
Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff has expressed unwavering confidence that Max Verstappen will finish his Formula 1 career with the team, dismissing speculation about a potential departure linked to the 2026 regulation changes. Mintzlaff emphasized that the team's commitment to providing Verstappen with a winning environment is the key to retaining his loyalty long-term.
Why it matters:
Verstappen's future is a central narrative in F1, with his contract running through 2028 but intense speculation about a move if Red Bull's 2026 project falters. Mintzlaff's public confidence signals Red Bull's strategic focus on retaining its star driver through performance and philosophy, not just contractual clauses, as the team prepares for a crucial new era of technical regulations.
The details:
- Oliver Mintzlaff, a key Red Bull executive, told De Telegraaf he has "no doubt" Verstappen will end his career with the team, countering widespread rumors.
- He downplayed the importance of exit clauses, stating an athlete's primary need is to see "everyone in the team giving everything for him."
- Mintzlaff pointed to Red Bull's dramatic turnaround in the 2024 season as proof of the team's capability to deliver for Verstappen, building a foundation of trust.
- He clarified that narratives portraying Verstappen as "the boss" at Red Bull are "nonsense," aiming to present a unified team structure.
- The executive also expressed a desire for Verstappen to remain connected to the Red Bull brand in some capacity after his eventual retirement from racing.
The big picture:
The comments arrive amidst persistent speculation about Verstappen's plans post-2026, a season he has already committed to. The underlying tension stems from the monumental 2026 regulation shift, which could reshuffle the competitive order. While Red Bull projects public certainty, the driver market remains fluid, with top teams like Mercedes potentially lying in wait should an opportunity arise.
What's next:
All eyes will be on Red Bull's development progress toward the 2026 chassis and power unit. The team's ability to produce a front-running car under the new rules will be the ultimate test of Mintzlaff's confidence and the most significant factor in securing Verstappen's long-term future. Until then, his commitment for 2026 provides stability, but questions about 2027 and beyond will linger until performance on track answers them.