©RedBull
In the heat of swirling speculation surrounding the future of Max Verstappen, Red Bull GmbH managing director Oliver Mintzlaff stepped into the spotlight in Saudi Arabia last weekend, issuing a strong and unambiguous message: Verstappen will be racing with Red Bull in 2026.
As the Formula 1 world turned its attention to Jeddah, where the reigning world champion delivered a dazzling qualifying performance only to be hampered by a penalty in the race itself, whispers of a possible Red Bull exit continued to grow louder.
With McLaren establishing a commanding lead in the Constructors’ standings and Red Bull’s once-dominant form showing cracks, the future of their star driver has become a hot topic in the paddock.
But Mintzlaff was keen to cut through the noise.
“We are all dissatisfied with the current situation. Nobody wants to gloss over that,” Mintzlaff told Bild, ahead of last weekend’s race.
Though Helmut Marko’s recent comments suggested Verstappen could be lured away if Red Bull’s car doesn’t improve fast enough, Mintzlaff painted a picture of calm resolve – and above all, loyalty.
“No. I'm convinced that he will continue to take the long road he has taken with Red Bull so far,” Mintzlaff said, when asked directly if he feared losing the three-time world champion.
“Max will also race for us in 2026."
Despite rumors linking Verstappen to Aston Martin, Mercedes, and even a speculative sabbatical in 2026, Mintzlaff pointed to the binding agreement already in place and Verstappen’s own prior sentiments.
“On the one hand, he has signed until the end of 2028 for a reason, and on the other hand, he has recently positioned himself clearly,” Mintzlaff continued.
“Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull – and would like to end it there. As far as I know, nothing has changed in this regard.”
That statement, simple yet powerful, offers a window into the long-standing relationship between Verstappen and Red Bull – a partnership forged in his teenage debut and now synonymous with one of the most dominant stints in F1 history.
Still, Mintzlaff didn’t shy away from framing the loyalty as a two-way street.
“We benefited a lot from Max, the best driver in the world. But the truth is that he owes a lot to Red Bull,” he emphasized.
Indeed, Red Bull was the team that bet big on the then-17-year-old prodigy, fast-tracking him into a race seat and eventually building a title-winning machine around him.
That shared journey, Mintzlaff implied, should not be forgotten amid today’s turbulence.
“Of course, we're going through a difficult phase at the moment, but I don't have the feeling that Max doubts that,” added the German executive.
“As long as the attitude is lived that we want to build the best car in the world, he will pull together with us.
“This is the only way we can be successful again. And we will.
A long-term partnership also includes sticking together in difficult times.”
Whether that enduring partnership can survive the aggressive overtures from rival teams – and more importantly, whether Red Bull can deliver a car consistently worthy of Verstappen’s prime – remains to be seen.
But for now, Oliver Mintzlaff has drawn a clear line in the sand. The message is unmistakable: Max Verstappen is not going anywhere.
Read also: Red Bull ‘informal talks’ add twist to Russell’s 2026 F1 future
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Legendary British songwriter and singer Chris Rea passed away on Sunday at the age of…
Jacques Villeneuve has seen enough rising stars – and enough false dawns – to know…
Months after speculation of a shock Mercedes move flared and faded, Max Verstappen has offered…
What once looked like a sideways step for Carlos Sainz has instead become a statement…
Red Bull’s power corridors rarely echo with sentimentality – and the energy drink company’s managing…
Cadillac’s ambitious F1 project has taken another step forward with the signing of Xavier Marcos…