Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has quashed claims that Max Verstappen could leave the Milton Keynes-based outfit for Mercedes, and has warned Toto Wolff to "focus on your own problems".
The future of the reigning world champion has been a hot topic of late, with Wolff reportedly targeting the Dutchman. Mercedes' interest in Verstappen is said to be partly because of the rumblings behind-the-scenes at Red Bull.
Team principal Christian Horner was the subject of a now-dismissed investigation into inappropriate behaviour earlier in the year, whilst it was announced ahead of this weekend's Miami Grand Prix that chief technical officer Adrian Newey will be departing. Following Red Bull's turbulent few months, the big question is if all the drama could result in a Verstappen exit?
According to Mintzlaff, that is not the case. The Austrian remains confident that Verstappen will stay at Red Bull and also fired a brief shot at Wolff.
"I understand the pressure Toto Wolff and perhaps other teams are under after years of being behind," Mintzlaff told BILD.
"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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Verstappen 'loyal'
Mintzlaff sees no legitimate reason as to why Verstappen would want to leave F1's leading team, which is remaining as dominant as ever in Miami.
Verstappen secured sprint pole and converted it into yet another sprint win, extending his and Red Bull's lead in both championships.
"No. I can't think of any," Mintzlaff commented, when asked for any reasons why Verstappen would consider leaving Red Bull.
"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] and Helmut [Marko] 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."
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