Red Bull has rarely been a quiet place, but during the last year the volume was turned up to uncomfortable levels.
Senior figures have exited, rumours have churned, and as the team recalibrates its power structure, one idea has taken hold in the paddock: that Max Verstappen now runs the show.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has heard it all – and he is having none of it.
With Helmut Marko, Christian Horner and Adrian Newey all gone, the suggestion that Verstappen has become the de facto authority inside Red Bull has gathered momentum.
Former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg was among those in the paddock who publicly floated the idea that the Verstappen camp wields serious influence over key decisions.
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Asked directly to respond in an interview with Dutch media De Telegraaf, Mintzlaff dismissed the notion in blunt fashion.
“That's nonsense,” he said. “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.”
The message was unmistakable: Verstappen may be central to Red Bull’s success, but he is not running the Milton Keynes-based outfit, the management of which is entrusted to Laurent Mekies who succeeded Horner last summer.
One Boss, One Priority
Mintzlaff went further, making it clear that authority inside Red Bull does not bend to star power – even when that star is a four-time world champion.
According to the CEO, there is only one force that truly governs decision-making within the organisation: the commercial reality at the heart of the Red Bull empire, summed up by what he described as the “famous can we sell”.
That framing undercuts the idea of Verstappen as a political heavyweight inside the team, even after a season in which his late surge nearly delivered another title and silenced doubts sparked by Red Bull’s performance dip.
Earlier this year, Verstappen reaffirmed his commitment to Red Bull for 2026, cooling speculation that the upheaval behind the scenes might push him elsewhere.
More Than a Driver - But Not a Diva
Mintzlaff’s defence of Verstappen did not stop at denying his supposed control. Instead, he painted a picture of a driver deeply valued – but firmly grounded.
“Max is a great guy, not a diva,” he said.
“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."
Read also: Verstappen slams Red Bull for ruthless Lawson decisionIn a Red Bull world reshaped by exits and uncertainty, Mintzlaff’s stance is clear: Verstappen is indispensable, not in charge.
And as the team braces for its next chapter, the CEO is drawing a sharp line between influence and authority – no matter how loud the rumours get.
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