Red Bull CEO issues statement on Max Verstappen future as exit saga rumbles on

CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has stated that will be driving for his team in 2026, despite rampant speculation to the contrary. The Dutchman has been linked with and amid a difficult start to the 2025 campaign. Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, but widespread reports have revealed that he has levers in his contract that could allow him to depart Milton Keynes, provided Christian Horner's organisation don't provide him with machinery capable of fighting for the World Championship.

In Bahrain, it looked as though this was the case. Verstappen qualified seventh with Yuki Tsunoda in the back end of the top 10, and neither Red Bull car was able to make significant inroads on Sunday. The four-time world champion crossed the line in sixth after overtaking Pierre Gasly on the final lap.

After the chequered flag, advisor Helmut Marko confessed that there were genuine concerns that Verstappen could leave the team if performances don't improve over the coming rounds. According to Mintzlaff, though, this is unlikely.

"I am convinced that Max will continue with us the long journey he has made so far with Red Bull. Max will also drive for us in 2026," he told BILD ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

"It is not without reason that he previously signed a contract until 2028, and he has also recently made his position clear. Max once told me that he started his career at Red Bull and that he would like to finish it there. As far as I know, nothing has changed in that regard."

Mintzlaff continued: "We have benefited enormously from Max, the best driver in the world. But the truth is that he also owes a lot to Red Bull. Of course, we are in a difficult phase, but I don't have the feeling that Max is doubting himself because of it.

"As long as the mentality is there that we want to build the best car in the world, he will work with us. That is the only way we can be successful again. And we will do that. A long-term collaboration also means that you stay together in difficult times."

Red Bull and Verstappen took a significant step forward in Jeddah on Saturday. After title rival Lando Norris crashed on his opening lap in Q3, the 27-year-old fended off the threat of Oscar Piastri to claim his second pole position of the season.