Red Bull’s Mintzlaff dismisses Verstappen exit speculation

Red Bull’s corporate sports chief Oliver Mintzlaff has no doubt that Formula One world champion Max verstappen will be at their team beyond this year, despite a difficult start into the season.

“I am convinced that he will in the future continue the long path he has taken with Red Bull. Max will also drive for us in 2026,” Mintzlaff told the Bild paper in an interview published on Sunday.

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Verstappen has a contract until 2028, and Mintzlaff said he is not concerned that Verstappen could leave earlier via a release clause.

There is speculation he could leave after the season if things don’t go well. But Verstappen dismissed this ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix later on Sunday for which he claimed a stunning pole position against the favoured McLarens.

“He has not signed without a reason until 2028, and he has positioned himself clearly,” Mintzlaff said.

“Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull – and that he would like to end it there. As far as I know nothing has changed in this respect.

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“We have benefited a lot from Max, the best driver in the world. But the truth is that he also owes a lot to Red Bull.”

Verstappen started at the Red Bull academy and made his F1 debut in 2015 for Red Bull’s sister team then named Toro Rosso. He was promoted to Red Bull in 2016 and went on to win four straight world titles 2021-2024.

Verstappen boasts 64 race wins and 42 pole positions. Despite some problems early in the season, and the strong showings of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri he has the chance to claim the championship lead on Sunday, placed just eight points behind leader Norris and five behind Piastri.

“Of course, we are going through a difficult phase at the moment, but I don’t have the feeling that this is making Max doubt,” Mintzlaff said.

“As long as we keep the attitude that we want to build the best car in the world, he will pull together with us. That’s the only way we can be successful again. And we will. A long-term partnership also means sticking together in difficult times.”