Amid swirling rumors about his potential departure, Max Verstappen‘s future with Red Bull Racing has been firmly addressed by the team’s managing director, Oliver Mintzlaff. Despite the speculation that Verstappen could leave the Milton Keynes-based team after 2025, Mintzlaff expresses confidence in retaining the star driver until at least 2028. This announcement arrives in the context of Verstappen experiencing a challenging start to the 2025 season, dropping to third in the drivers’ championship standings.
Verstappen’s track record with Red Bull is unparalleled, as he has clinched four consecutive world championships from 2021 to 2024. Nonetheless, with Red Bull’s performance lagging behind competitors like McLaren and Mercedes in recent races, questions have arisen about Verstappen’s long-term commitment to the team. The Red Bull advisor, Helmut Marko, has acknowledged the importance of addressing Verstappen’s future, particularly concerning potential moves to Mercedes or Aston Martin – both of which have publicly dismissed the speculation.
Mintzlaff, who occupies a senior role within Red Bull’s broader operations, is optimistic about Verstappen’s intentions to remain with the team. Speaking to Bild, he emphasized that Verstappen has shown clarity about his career path by signing a contract through the end of 2028, despite the presence of exit clauses. “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,” Mintzlaff declared, highlighting Verstappen’s desire to start and end his racing career at Red Bull.
This assurance from Mintzlaff echoes Verstappen’s personal achievements, having surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s record in terms of race victories while tying with him in championship wins. Even at just 27 years old, Verstappen stands as one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, ranking third on the all-time list of grand prix victors. However, with the impending regulation changes in 2026, Max Verstappen faces a pivotal decision, reminiscent of Vettel’s choice in 2015 to switch to Ferrari after Red Bull’s lackluster 2014 season.
The speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future has also been fueled by Red Bull’s current performance issues. Nonetheless, Mintzlaff underscores the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting, “We’ve benefited enormously from Max, the best driver in the world, but the truth is, he also owes a lot to Red Bull.” He remains steadfast that Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull will persist as long as the team consistently strives to build the best car possible.
Mintzlaff’s statement reflects a confidence that Verstappen’s loyalty to Red Bull will endure through challenging times, which he views as integral to a lasting partnership. As the 2026 season approaches, this bond promises to be pivotal for both Verstappen and Red Bull as they aim to reassert their dominance in the competitive realm of Formula 1.
