Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has predicted that Max Verstappen will spend the remainder of his Formula 1 career at Red Bull ahead of a big year for the team.
2026 sees the Milton Keynes-based squad begin a new era as it takes on a season as an OEM for the first time, in collaboration with Ford.
The team is already setting a low bar in terms of its performance next year, given it will be its first attempt at its own in-house power unit.
Verstappen committed his future to Red Bull over the summer, ending months of speculation that he was set to jump ship to rivals Mercedes.
But the Dutchman opted to stick, rather than twist, amid F1’s new 50-50 hybrid era commencing, which in itself throws up unpredictability.
Mintzlaff told De Telegraaf that Verstappen is seeing through the doubt and potential early pain, given that the team is revolving its efforts around him.
“What’s important to say is that I’m not afraid of any performance clause in his contract,” the German explained.
“The most important thing for an athlete is that he sees that everyone in the team is giving their all for him.
“And I think Max is impressed with the way the results and the atmosphere in the team have turned out this year.
“Of course, Max always wants to win and have the best possible car, but so do we.
“As long as Max feels that we are working on that and doing everything we can, I think he will remain loyal to us.
“He also sees how much we have invested in our own engine.
“Don’t forget that we are an energy drink brand and what a unique step this is. I feel that there is enormous mutual appreciation and loyalty.
“For me, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull.”
Verstappen will be joined by a new team-mate in 2026 in Isack Hadjar, the team hopeful that the Frenchman will be able to get closer than his predecessors.
READ MORE – Max Verstappen delivers take on Lewis Hamilton woes at Ferrari
Discussion about this post