Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has issued an urgent warning to Mercedes coach Toto Wolff over his public advances towards star driver Max Verstappen. The rebuke follows Wolff’s comments praising Verstappen as Mercedes seeks to replace seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who is due to move to Ferrari in 2025. In response to Wolff’s comments, Mintzlaff reaffirmed Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull. He stressed the importance of the Mercedes manager focusing on the team’s internal issues rather than paying attention to talent signed to rival teams.
Wolff acknowledged Verstappen’s appeal, previously explaining: “It’s a decision that Max has to make, but there’s not a team on the grid that wouldn’t do a handstand to get him in the car,” according to ESPN. He has performed on the F1 starting grid. He also added about the difficulties the team faced with the ground effects car: Firstly, we owe it to George (Russell) and Lewis (Hamilton) to improve the car and give them good equipment before they can dream about the future next year.
Mintzlaff responded unequivocally that Wolff was against publicly promoting Verstappen. “I understand that Toto Wolff and probably other teams are feeling the pressure after being behind for so many years, but I think Toto should focus on his challenge. He’s not into that anymore. I’m tired of it,” Mintzlaff said in an interview with Bild am Sonntag newspaper. He highlighted the disrespect felt when discussing other teams’ key assets, explaining, “It also has to do with respect.” If you keep talking about other teams’ personnel, it’s not right.
Mintzlaff also stressed that Verstappen has no intention of abandoning his current team, reinforcing the strong relationship and trust that has been built between him and Red Bull leaders, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko. .
“Max is still on a long-term contract here, but he hasn’t said a single word that he doesn’t want to fulfill it,” he said. “I’m not worried at all about him thinking of moving. Now things need to calm down again. That’s what Max wants and that’s what we want too.” At least for me. I can’t think of any. Max wants the fastest car…we have it. Max wants to be world champion…he has the best chance with us.
“Max is a loyal man,” he added. “He knows that Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have always had faith in him, which he appreciates. Moreover, Red Bull is a great brand that resonates very well with him. Therefore , there are many reasons to stay, nothing against it.”
Mintzlaff also touched on the shocking departure of Chief Technology Officer Adrian Newey, who is scheduled to leave the team in 2025. He commented:
“Adrian has achieved great results over the years and has played a huge role in helping us win 13 World Championship titles.” “We are obviously disappointed that he is leaving us, but we discussed it in a very fair and respectful dialogue. “What he leaves behind is just a unique legacy. Of course we will miss him as a person, but tomorrow we will know how to drive a very fast F1 car. . ”
