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Red Bull CEO Says Verstappen Will Finish Career With Team, Defends Horner Exit

In a rare interview, Oliver Mintzlaff said the leadership change was necessary after a form slump.

Overview

  • Oliver Mintzlaff declared he has no doubt Max Verstappen will end his Formula 1 career with Red Bull and said he is not worried about any performance clause in the driver’s deal.
  • Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until 2028, with reports indicating the agreement includes a release clause.
  • Mintzlaff explained Christian Horner’s midseason removal as a response to poor results, with Laurent Mekies stepping in and the team rallying as Verstappen fell just two points short of the title.
  • The CEO praised Horner’s past achievements but said Red Bull could not rely on history when results dipped.
  • He rejected Helmut Marko’s post-departure criticism of Horner and highlighted the 2026 in-house Ford-linked power unit project as evidence of long-term commitment.