Red Bull CEO Breaks Silence On “Nonsense” Max Verstappen Claims

Oliver Mintzlaff clarified that the rumors of Max Verstappen having the final call on Red Bull's decision was pure nonsense.

Red Bull CEO Breaks Silence On “Nonsense” Max Verstappen Claims

Max Verstappen (via Getty)

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Max Verstappen has remained one of the more consistent people within Red Bull. Despite the team’s tumultuous state, Verstappen kept up with his dominant performances and did not let the team issues define his results.

Moreover, the Dutchman was rumored to be the deciding factor on many decisions, with Christian Horner‘s firing being the most recent one. Now, Red Bull’s CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff, claims that these rumors are ‘nonsense’.

Amid Red Bull’s performance struggles mid-way through the 2025 season, Max Verstappen and Co. were looking to fire Christian Horner from the squad. Following this revelation, Horner was actually fired from the team, and Verstappen decided to continue racing for Milton Keynes.

As such, speculations opened up that the Dutchman had a massive influence over team decisions and was the reason behind the team principal’s dismissal. Now, Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff ruled out these speculations as ‘nonsense’.

Mintzlaff continued that there were clear agreements in place, and Max Verstappen couldn’t simply ask for something outrageous in the team. The CEO reassured that Verstappen never made such requests either and kept his head in the game at all times.

Further, Oliver Mintzlaff noted that even Max Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, did not have such exceptions to take the final decision on any matters regarding Red Bull either. Mintzlaff highlighted that the Dutchman was clear about what he wanted, and it was an understandable thing. The 50-year-old claimed that the four-time champion was the best driver in the world and hence had the luxury of asking whatever he wanted in the team.

That’s nonsense. I can tell you that all agreements are clear, and he’s never made a single request of me. The same goes for his manager and father. Max is clear about what he wants, and that’s okay, because he’s the best driver in the world.

Oliver Mintzlaff said via De Telegraaf.

Oliver Mintzlaff reveals Max Verstappen’s ‘unique factor’

Max Verstappen’s continuation at Red Bull remained under scrutiny following the team’s massive struggles. Although the Dutchman clarified that he would continue racing for Milton Keynes, anything can happen under the new regulations. Regardless, Oliver Mintzlaff pondered over the ‘unique factor’ of Verstappen that is helping the Austrian constructor greatly.

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull)

Oliver Mintzlaff asserted that Max Verstappen was a great guy, and not a diva. The German is certain that Verstappen will continue racing for Red Bull for the foreseeable future. Mintzlaff reckoned that even if the 28-year-old were to retire down the line, he should stay with the team in a managing role. The four-time champion was able to consult with the race engineer on a very high level, and thus, this was his ‘unique’ factor that set him apart from his rivals.

Max is a great guy, not a diva, Again, I’m sure he’ll stay with us forever. If he ever retires as a driver – I hope not too soon – I hope he stays with us in another role. His knowledge and feel for a car are so special, and he can consult with his engineers at a very high level. That makes him unique.

Oliver Mintzlaff noted.

The 2025 season proved how Max Verstappen can bounce back from any situation and keep up with the results. For now, Verstappen will enjoy the off-season with his girlfriend and daughter Lily. The Dutchman will hope to keep up with the dominant pace that he achieved towards the end of the 2025 season and contend for the driver’s title from the get-go.

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