This should focus on his challenges, says the Red Bull director. He is not worried about Verstappen’s departure – F1sport.cz

Red Bull boss doesn’t like Toto Wolff’s comments about Max Verstappen.

There is still speculation that Mercedes is trying to drag Max Verstappen in to replace Lewis Hamilton. There have been reports of large sums. Verstappen said in Miami that money is not the key for him and he does not want to get into a situation where he will have a very high income, but will be driving around sixth place.

Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff occasionally appears at races, but doesn’t give many interviews. But this time he made an exception. The topic was the statements of Toto Wolff and the future of Verstappen.

“I understand that after years of falling behind, Toto and maybe other teams are facing pressure. But I think Toto Wolff should focus on his challenges. He has enough of them,” Mintzlaff told Bild Am Sonntag.

“It’s also a matter of respect. If I keep talking about other teams’ personnel, it’s not right. Max still has a long-term contract here, and he hasn’t said a word about not wanting to fulfill it.”

“I am not at all afraid that he would consider a transfer. Things just need to calm down again now. That’s what Max wants and that’s what we want too.”

“If you want to be successful in sport over the long term, whether it’s football or Formula 1, you need that too.”

Asked if he saw any reason why Verstappen would want to leave Red Bull, Mintzlaff said: “No. At least I can’t think of any. Max wants the fastest car. We have him. Max wants to become a world champion. He has the best chance with us and Max is a loyal person. He knows that Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have always put their trust in him. He appreciates it. Plus, Red Bull is just a great brand that he can relate to immensely. There are many reasons to stay – and none to leave.”

He supports Horner

Mintzlaff is believed to have been on Marko’s side at the start of the season. But he said in the interview that he fully supports Horner and believes that he can continue to lead the team to long-term success.

“I’m sure of it,” said Mintzlaff. “He only thinks about the success of the team and is a very good CEO.”

Of course, the talk also came about the announced departure of Adrian Newey. “It is of course a shame that he is leaving us, but we discussed it in a very fair and respectful dialogue. What he leaves behind is not only a unique legacy, but also the structure he helped build. Of course we will miss him, even as a person, but even tomorrow we will know how to build a very fast Formula 1 car.”