Mintzlaff: I'm convinced Verstappen will continue with Red Bull

Mintzlaff insists Red Bull remains “hungry for titles” in Formula 1 and is far from giving up on championship hopes, and seems sure Max Verstappen will stay with the team in 2026 despite specualtion he could move away.

Despite sitting third in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships after four rounds, Mintzlaff underlined that Red Bull is not panicking: “We're obviously dissatisfied and falling short of our expectations.

"But that's not causing us to panic. A Formula 1 season is extremely long,” Mintzlaff said in an interview with Bild. “Only four of the 24 Grands Prix have been run. Nothing is lost by any stretch. Anyone who writes us off in the title race is making a mistake.”

While Max Verstappen has managed to stay in close contention with McLaren’s Lando Norris, Mintzlaff acknowledged Red Bull’s poor start but rejected the idea that the team is a complete outsider:
“Anyone who knows Red Bull knows that we have an extreme hunger for titles. It's clear that we're not the ones being hunted at the moment. But activism has never achieved anything in sport.”

Amid speculation about Verstappen’s future following high-profile departures including Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, Mintzlaff was emphatic about the four-time World Champion’s commitment:
“No. I'm convinced he'll continue the long journey he's taken with Red Bull so far. Max will continue to drive for us in 2026,” he said, referencing Verstappen’s contract that runs through 2028.

Mintzlaff stressed Verstappen’s loyalty: “Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull – and would like to end it there too. As far as I know, that hasn't changed. We're currently going through a difficult phase, of course, but I don't have the feeling that this has put Max in doubt.”

He added that a long-term partnership means enduring the tough periods together: “As long as the attitude that we want to build the best car in the world is lived out, he'll pull together with us.”

Mintzlaff also addressed ongoing speculation about tensions between team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko following last year’s power struggle, affirming trust in the leadership:
“I have complete confidence in every single employee. This also applies to our management team. Helmut and Christian both want maximum success and are committed to achieving it.”

While admitting that “every relationship has its ups and downs,” Mintzlaff highlighted the duo’s long-standing partnership, noting they will mark their 400th race together at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix:
“Helmut was the one who hired Christian in 2005.

"The two have a huge connection. With all the pressure, emotions, and passion, feelings can sometimes run high. But then you have to sit down and discuss it behind closed doors. And that's what we're doing," added the Red Bull boss.

Regarding the controversial decision to demote Liam Lawson back to Red Bull’s sister team Racing Bulls after only two races, Mintzlaff stood by the move: “I understand that and think it's justified. Nevertheless, it was the right step. Formula 1 is a high-performance sport, and his performance wasn't up to scratch. Leaving Liam in the car would have been wrong.”

Mintzlaff insisted that protecting Lawson from mounting pressure was in the driver’s best interest, concluding: “We're happy to have him back with the Racing Bulls.”