The managing director of Red Bull, Oliver Mintzlaffis convinced that the Dutch Max Verstappenfour-time champion formula 1will retire in the Austrian team. “The most important thing for an athlete is that he sees that everyone in the team is giving everything for him. And I think Max is impressed by how the results and the atmosphere in the team have developed this year,” Mintzlaff explained in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
Verstappen won four titles in a row with Red Bull and this year he was just two points behind the current champion, Briton Lando Norris (McLaren). but now The 28-year-old driver lost his confidant Helmut Markoafter the Austrian left at the end of the season.
“Of course Max always wants to win and have the best car possible, but that’s what we want too. As long as Max feels that we’re working on it and doing everything we can for it, I think he’ll stay loyal to us.” There is no doubt in my mind that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bul“l,” said Mintzlaff. The Dutch driver has a contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, but the agreement contains an exit clause.
The Red Bull boss dismissed warnings of Verstappen’s possible departure, particularly as he expressed his confidence in creating his own power unit from 2026.
“He also sees everything we have invested in our own engine and we must not forget that we are an energy drink brand, so he appreciates this step we are taking,” emphasized Mintzlaff.
The CEO of the energy drink company emphasized that this is what they will strive for They will be rooting for Verstappen to retire in Milton KeynesBecause “I feel that there is enormous appreciation and loyalty on both sides.”
“Max is a great guy, he’s not a diva. I insist that I’m sure he’ll stay with us forever. If he ever stops being a pilot – I hope it’s not soon – I hope he continues to be associated with us in another capacity,” he wished.
Mintzlaff sent a strong signal to his opponents, especially Mercedes and Ferrariwho have expressed interest in signing the four-time champions.
“What’s important to say is that I’m not afraid of a performance clause in his contract. So the most important thing for a driver is to see the whole team give it their all and I think Max Verstappen is impressed with the results and the team atmosphere this year,” he said.
“I can’t speak for other teams, but I rely on what I feel and see. There is a manager. There is a father. And I have a good relationship with both of them, but Max is no longer 15 years old,” the CEO added.
And he concluded: “Max is old and sensible enough to express what he wants. When I talk to him, he tells me that his goal is to finish his career with us,” he concluded.
Then there will be no novel about Max Verstappen’s future in a renewed Formula 1 in 2026.
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