Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has responded to the criticism surrounding the company’s Formula 1 team. Mintzlaff, who oversees the F1 teams as the CEO of corporate projects and new investments, gave an interview to Bild in which he addressed various issues, including Mercedes’ pursuit of Max Verstappen and the departure of Adrian Newey. It is rare for someone at Mintzlaff’s level to publicly discuss Red Bull F1 matters, highlighting the significance of his comments. Mintzlaff’s motivation for the interview was to counter what Red Bull perceives as excessive attention from Mercedes boss Toto Wolff regarding Verstappen. Mintzlaff believes that Wolff should focus on his own challenges and show respect by not repeatedly talking about personnel from other teams.
Wolff’s interest in Verstappen has been fueled by comments made by Verstappen’s father, Jos, against Christian Horner’s leadership at Red Bull. Jos Verstappen wants his son to consider moving to Mercedes, but Max has not expressed the same enthusiasm. Horner has emphasized that Verstappen is happy at Red Bull, given the team’s competitive car and their preparedness 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 has been a wider sense of unease around Red Bull, especially with the departure of Adrian Newey. McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown suggested that Newey’s exit could lead to further changes within the team, and there are rumors that senior trackside figure Jonathan Wheatley is considering his future. Red Bull maintains that their technical team is stable, with technical director Pierre Wache and head of aerodynamics Enrico Balbo committed to the team. Mintzlaff acknowledges that Newey’s departure is a loss but is confident in Red Bull’s ability to build a fast Formula 1 car and handle the upcoming regulation 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-level fights for control of Red Bull, Horner remains in charge. Mintzlaff expresses his 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.