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Red Bull CEO Defends Horner Ouster and Rejects Talk That Verstappen Runs Team

Oliver Mintzlaff also distances the company from Helmut Marko’s recent attacks on Christian Horner.

Overview

  • Oliver Mintzlaff says Horner’s mid-season removal was a deliberate reset after poor results, with Laurent Mekies installed to lead a new chapter.
  • Under Mekies, Red Bull won six of the final nine races and Max Verstappen cut a 104‑point gap to finish two points shy of the title.
  • Mintzlaff denies claims Verstappen controls team decisions, saying the driver and his camp have made no demands and that governance remains clear.
  • He states he is not worried about any performance clauses and has no doubt Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull.
  • Looking to 2026, Mintzlaff highlights Red Bull’s in-house power unit project with Ford as a major investment that could bring short-term uncertainty.