Red Bull boss defends Max Verstappen against perception of 'diva' behavior within the team

Red Bull chief Oliver Mintzlaff has pushed back against the notion that Max Verstappen carried a “diva” status within the team. Speaking after a turbulent 2025 season defined by leadership changes, internal strain, and a late title surge, Mintzlaff framed the Dutchman’s role as more performance-driven than political.

At Red Bull, Verstappen’s position has often drawn scrutiny. The four-time champion is the team’s focal point of development decisions. That has fueled an external impression that his voice carries undue weight, especially during periods when Red Bull’s form dipped, as his frustrations surfaced on the radio and in the media.

However, Mintzlaff dismissed the notion that Verstappen dictated terms behind the scenes.

“Yes, 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. But there’s only one boss with us, and that’s that famous can we sell. Max is a great guy, not a diva,” he told De Telegraaf.

Mintzlaff added that Max Verstappen’s long-term value to Red Bull went beyond results.

“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.”

The comments come against a season of sharp contrasts for Red Bull. After Christian Horner’s removal earlier in the year and Laurent Mekies’ promotion, Verstappen’s results improved immediately. He won six of the final eight races, finished on the podium in each of the last seven rounds, and took the title fight to the final race, losing the title to Lando Norris by just two points.

Max Verstappen (1) looks on during FP3 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Source: Imagn

That turnaround followed significant floor upgrades and changes to the RB21, reinforcing Oliver Mintzlaff’s argument that focus, not hierarchy, was the missing ingredient earlier in the year.

Max Verstappen’s blunt reactions during his early struggles were widely interpreted as signs of entitlement. Internally, they were viewed as a frustration of a driver accustomed to winning, now fighting a McLaren package that had controlled much of the season. As their competitiveness returned, Verstappen clawed back into contention, and the narrative faded alongside rumors of unrest.

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“Max Verstappen will finish his career at Red Bull,” claims Red Bull Boss Oliver Mintzlaff

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing before the Hungary GP. Source: Getty

Speculations around Max Verstappen’s future intensified during the summer of 2025. Red Bull’s poor run of form, combined with contract uncertainty at Mercedes, gave the rumors traction. The situation escalated during the summer break when Verstappen and Toto Wolff were photographed in Sardinia, reigniting talk of a possible move despite the Dutchman’s Red Bull contract running through 2028.

Asked how Red Bull would retain Verstappen if its in-house power unit project struggles in 2026, Oliver Mintzlaff added in the interview:

“The most important thing for an athlete is to see that everyone on the team is giving their all for them. And I think Max is impressed with the way the results and the team atmosphere have gone this year... As long as Max feels we're working towards it and doing everything we can, I think he'll stay loyal... I have no doubt that Max Verstappen will finish his career at Red Bull.”

Mintzlaff pointed to Red Bull’s investment in Red Bull Powertrains and its technical partnership with Ford as proof of long-term intent, framing the 2026 engine program as central to the team’s identity rather than a short-term gamble. Verstappen has said his future decisions will hinge on how the new cars feel.

Red Bull now enters the new cycle without the No. 1 car for the first time in five years and after back-to-back third-place finishes in the constructors’ standings.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam