Oliver Mintzlaff makes bold claim about Max Verstappen's F1 future

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has addressed their F1 driver Max Verstappen’s future at their racing team as they move towards a decisive moment in their partnership.

Formula 1 is heading towards a new technical era in 2026, a massive rule change that is going to be a game-changer, and teams won’t be able to reuse most components of the current cars, aside from a few minor components and lessons learned.

Verstappen has signed a contract with Red Bull, which runs until 2028; however, the partnership seems to have turned into a series of one-year commitments, with the four-time world champion open to deciding his future with the team if team/car performance is below par.

In 2025, a report revealed that the Dutchman’s contract has a performance clause, which allows him to leave the team if he fails to be within the top three in the drivers’ championship by the midpoint of the season.

Red Bull CEO, Mintzlaff, in an interview with de Telegraaf, was asked how he will retain Verstappen if the team don’t perform well in 2026, to which he replied that the most important thing for an athlete is that everyone in the team gives everything, and the Dutchman is quite happy with the results of this year.

"What is important to say is that I am not afraid of any performance clause in his contract. What is most important for an athlete is that he sees that everyone in the team gives everything 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,” Mintzlaff said.

He added that he believes Verstappen will remain loyal to the team and will end his career at Red Bull.

"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," Mintzlaff added.

"I feel that there is an enormous appreciation and loyalty on both sides. For me, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull."