© Sebastian Kawka for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix ltd.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says Toto Wolff’s public courting of Max Verstappen is “not appropriate”, and adds “Wolff should focus on his own problems”.
In recent months, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff publicly expressed his desire to sign Max Verstappen on numerous occasions.
Toto even said the Dutch driver is his number one pick to replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
Well, it appears Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has had enough of Toto’s talk, as in an interview with Germany’s Bild, he proceeded to blast the Austrian for being ‘disrespectful’.
“I understand the pressure Toto Wolff, and perhaps other teams, are under after years of being behind,” Mintzlaff said.
“But I think Wolff should focus on his own problems. He has enough of those. And it also has something to do with respect when you keep talking about other teams’ personnel. That’s not appropriate.”
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Mintzlaff added Red Bull is still the right fit for Verstappen.
“He is a thoroughbred racer and wants to win every race, every qualifying, and every training session.
“This connects us. It’s in his and our DNA. And he finds the perfect conditions for this with us. We have created a unique set-up, and built the best car in Formula 1.
“Max still has a long-term contract here and hasn’t said a word that he doesn’t want to fulfill it. I’m not at all worried that he’s considering a move.
“Things just have to calm down again now. That’s what Max wants – and that’s what we want too. You also need that if you want to be successful in the long term in sport, whether in football or Formula 1.”
Ultimately, Mintzlaff doesn’t foresee Verstappen leaving the team anytime soon.
“As I said before, Max wants the fastest car and we have it. Max wants to be World Champion and, with us, he has the best chance. Max is a loyal guy.
“He knows that Christian [Horner, Red Bull Team Principal] and Helmut [Marko, Red Bull’s advisor] have always given him their trust. He appreciates that.
“Moreover, Red Bull is just a great brand with which he can identify excellently.
“So there are many reasons for him to stay,” he concluded.
