Red Bull executive Mintzlaff signals to Verstappen with visit in Jeddah

Red Bull's top executive Oliver Mintzlaff arrived in Saudi Arabia to visit his F1 team, signalling various intentions, particularly towards Max Verstappen.

It's a turbulent time at Red Bull Racing. Much has been said and written about the sporting challenges the Austrian team is currently facing. And as if that wasn't enough, rumours persist about the possible departure of Max Verstappen.

Granted, Verstappen says - at least externally - that he is not at all thinking about leaving. The four-time world champion is focused on how to improve the RB21, to quickly compete with McLaren. If that succeeds, Verstappen will hardly see a reason to look elsewhere. But the fact is, Red Bull Racing's problems didn't suddenly appear; this has been a process for a year now.

Mintzlaff in Saudi Arabia

While Verstappen stands behind his team, his trust in Red Bull Racing is not infinite. The champion ultimately wants to compete for prizes in Formula 1; if not with Red Bull, then elsewhere. This is exactly what Red Bull is worried about. Because imagine if Verstappen leaves, what will be left of the racing team?

It was no coincidence that Oliver Mintzlaff was prominently present in Jeddah on Friday. Of course, there was the opportunity to speak with Christian Horner, Helmut Marko, and technical director Pierre Waché. But that could also have been done on Monday or Tuesday. Via Zoom, this would have been perfectly possible.

By choosing to sit right in the sight of clicking cameras, Mintzlaff showed his commitment, willingness to work hard on solutions, and above all to display unity. Thus, he sent a signal to the outside world, but especially to Max Verstappen. 'Max, we are working very hard and we are going to keep you,' was pretty much the message.

Verstappen must have been pleased to see it. Now just the results, he probably thinks.