Overview
- Oliver Mintzlaff said Red Bull “had to do something” during a slump, arguing the team could not keep relying on past success and that Christian Horner’s removal was a considered decision.
- Laurent Mekies’ promotion preceded a late-season rebound that delivered six wins in the final nine races, with Max Verstappen falling two points short of the 2025 title.
- Mintzlaff rejected suggestions that Verstappen runs the team as “nonsense,” saying the driver has made no demands of him and stressing that Red Bull’s management remains in charge.
- The CEO said he has no fear of performance clauses in Verstappen’s deal and expressed certainty the four‑time champion will finish his career with Red Bull, with a contract currently running to 2028.
- Looking to 2026, Mintzlaff highlighted Red Bull’s in‑house engine program with Ford and acknowledged unknowns under new rules, while reports also suggest Horner left with a multimillion‑pound severance.