Oliver Mintzlaff outlines why Max Verstappen will ‘remain loyal’ to Red Bull beyond 2026

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Max Verstappen faces a critical 2026 season as he weighs up his options for the future.

The four-time champion is contracted with Red Bull until 2028. However, Verstappen has been linked with a move away from the Milton Keynes outfit throughout 2025 amid rumours about the team’s 2026 engine.

Red Bull will become an engine supplier next season under the new technical regulations. It is early days, but the ‘noise in the paddock’ is that Red Bull’s power unit is behind, which is not what Verstappen will want to hear as he decides his future.

Mercedes were desperate to sign Verstappen earlier in the year, but the Silver Arrows ended up retaining George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. The Dutchman has committed to Red Bull for 2026, but beyond that, his future is unknown.

Verstappen has an exit clause in his contract, which will allow him to leave Red Bull at the end of next season. But despite the threat of him leaving, CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is not concerned.

Oliver Mintzlaff thinks Max Verstappen will ‘remain loyal’ to Red Bull if they work on giving him a winning car

Speaking to De Telegraaf, the Red Bull boss thinks that Verstappen will commit to the team if they can show him that they can build him a competitive car.

“What’s important to say is that I’m not afraid of any performance clause in his contract,” said Mintzlaff. “The most important thing for an athlete is that he sees that everyone in the team is giving their all for him.

“And I think Max is impressed with the way the results and the atmosphere in the team have turned out this year.

“Of course, Max always wants to win and have the best possible car, but so do we. As long as Max feels that we are working on that and doing everything we can, I think he will remain loyal to us.

“He also sees how much we have invested in our own engine. Don’t forget that we are an energy drink brand and what a unique step this is.

“I feel that there is enormous mutual appreciation and loyalty. For me, there is no doubt that Max Verstappen will end his career at Red Bull.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

When will Max Verstappen decide on his Red Bull future?

Verstappen will want to see results from Red Bull’s engine in 2026. If it proves to be uncompetitive, as rumours suggest it will be, then he may not hesitate to move elsewhere.

Nico Rosberg thinks Verstappen will be ‘impatient’ in 2026. He wants to win his fifth world championship and will not wait around if Red Bull cannot give him the tools.

Karun Chandhok thinks Verstappen will decide his future by the summer break. There is not a team in the paddock that would not be interested in signing the Dutchman, but Mercedes will be the overwhelming favourites.

Mercedes could try a new tactic to sign Verstappen, with reports suggesting that they could drop Antonelli and pair him with Russell. Toto Wolff will certainly be keeping tabs on him, having expressed an interest in signing the four-time champion since 2024.