Red Bull Exec Mintzlaff certain: 'Verstappen to Stay Through 2026'

Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff is confident that Max Verstappen will stay with Red Bull Racing beyond 2025. Despite months of speculation linking the four-time world champion to an early exit from the Austrian Formula 1 team, Mintzlaff insists that Verstappen isn't going anywhere.

Red Bull's Mintzlaff Convinced Verstappen Will Stay in 2026

The managing director has no doubt that Verstappen will stay with Red Bull. "I am convinced that he will continue the long journey he has so far taken with Red Bull. Max will be racing for us in 2026," the 49-year-old German states firmly. Verstappen's contract is valid until the end of 2028, although certain clauses might allow for an early departure.

'No panic' for Mintzlaff at Red Bull

The RB21 may not be as strong as its predecessors, but Mintzlaff remains confident that the team will bounce back and return to the top. "We're not panicking. A Formula 1 season is extremely long," he emphasises in conversation with the German Bild. According to Mintzlaff, supporting each other during tough times is part of a long-term collaboration. Max Verstappen, however, stormed to pole in Saudi Arabia from McLaren's Oscar Piastri.

Verstappen seems to share that sentiment—so long as Red Bull’s ambition and drive to win stay the same. "The mindset to build the best car in the world has to stay." Mintzlaff also recalls a previous statement by Verstappen, who expressed a wish to end his career at Red Bull: "To my knowledge, nothing has changed."

During the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend, Verstappen chose not to comment on the ongoing speculation about his future. He emphasized that the season is still in its early stages and added that you shouldn't "run away" just because the results aren’t living up to expectations.

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This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Mulder