Red Bull CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, responds to criticisms regarding the company’s Formula 1 team. Mintzlaff, who oversees the F1 teams as CEO of corporate projects and new investments, granted an interview to Bild in which he addressed several issues, including Mercedes’ pursuit of Max Verstappen and Adrian Newey’s departure. It is rare for someone at Mintzlaff’s level to publicly discuss Red Bull F1 matters, highlighting the importance of his comments. Mintzlaff’s motivation for the interview was to counter what Red Bull perceives as excessive attention from Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, towards Verstappen. Mintzlaff believes Wolff should focus on his own challenges and show respect by not repeatedly talking about members of other teams.
Wolff’s interest in Verstappen was fueled by comments made by Verstappen’s father, Jos, against Christian Horner’s leadership at Red Bull. Jos Verstappen wishes for his son to consider moving to Mercedes, but Max has not expressed the same enthusiasm. Horner emphasized that Verstappen is happy at Red Bull, given the team’s competitiveness and their preparation for the 2026 rules with their in-house F1 engine. Mintzlaff supports Horner’s stance and believes that Verstappen has no reason to leave Red Bull.
There is a broader sense of discomfort regarding Red Bull, especially with Adrian Newey’s departure. McLaren Racing CEO, Zak Brown, suggested that Newey’s exit could lead to more changes within the team, and there are rumors that key team member at the circuits, Jonathan Wheatley, is considering his future. Red Bull states that their technical team is stable, with technical director Pierre Wache and aerodynamics chief Enrico Balbo committed to the team. Mintzlaff acknowledges that Newey’s departure is a loss, but trusts Red Bull’s ability to build a fast Formula 1 car and deal with upcoming regulatory changes.
Mintzlaff’s decision to address these topics publicly indicates the team’s clear direction and reinforces Red Bull’s belief in Horner’s leadership. Despite rumors of internal conflicts and ownership control disputes within Red Bull, Horner remains in charge. Mintzlaff expresses confidence in Horner’s ability to lead the team to long-term success and emphasizes that the team’s foundations are solid. Red Bull is determined to maintain its dominant position in Formula 1, despite the apparent instability surrounding the team.
