Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of the Red Bull company, is steadfast in his belief that Max Verstappen will remain with the team, dismissing speculation about a move to a rival Formula 1 outfit.
As the Jeddah paddock buzzes with talk about the quadruple world champion's next steps, Verstappen himself firmly rejected the idea of leaving, responding with a clear "No" when asked about an exit.
Mintzlaff, who assumed the CEO role after Dietrich Mateschitz's passing, addressed the team's challenges during a rare paddock appearance on Saturday. "We're all dissatisfied with the current situation. No one wants to sugarcoat it," he said.
When questioned about the possibility of Verstappen activating an exit clause, Mintzlaff was resolute. "No. I'm convinced he will continue the long journey he's taken with Red Bull so far," he told Bild newspaper.
"Max will continue to drive for us in 2026. On the one hand, it was not without reason that he signed until the end of 2028, and on the other hand, he has recently made his position clear."
Mintzlaff reinforced Verstappen's stance, noting, "Exactly," when told the driver had downplayed departure rumours.
"Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull and would like to end it here too. As far as I know, that hasn't changed," he said.
"We've benefited enormously from Max—the best driver in the world. But the truth is, he also owes a lot to Red Bull. We're currently going through a difficult phase, of course, but I don't have the feeling that this has put Max in doubt."
He added, "As long as the attitude that we want to build the best car in the world is lived out, he'll pull together with us. That's the only way we can be successful again. A long-term partnership also means sticking together in difficult times."
Despite this confidence, Verstappen could, like Adrian Newey and other key figures who have left, grow weary of Red Bull's internal political strife.
Reports suggest strained relations between team principal Christian Horner and advisor Dr Helmut Marko. Mintzlaff, however, expressed unwavering trust in the leadership. "I have complete confidence in every single employee," he said.
"This also applies to our management team. Helmut and Christian both want maximum success and are committed to achieving it."
He continued, "We've discussed this again in recent days. It's clear that every relationship has its ups and downs, but let's not forget that the two will be competing in their 400th race together at the next grand prix in Miami. Helmut was the one who hired Christian in 2005. The two have a huge connection. It's clear that with all the pressure, emotions, and passion, feelings can sometimes run high. But then you have to sit down and discuss it behind closed doors. And that's what we're doing."
