Formula 1 News: Mintzlaff has ringing praise for Christian Horner

In an interview with Bild Am Sonntag, Red Bull Sporting CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has made clear that he is fully supportive of Red Bull Racing Team Boss Christian Horner and believes he can continue to lead the team to success over the long term.

“I am convinced of that,” said Mintzlaff. “He only has the team’s success in mind and is a very good CEO.”

Ringing Praise for Horner – Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner looks on in the Paddock during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 21, 2024 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

“Adrian [Newey] has done great things here over the years and played a big part in us winning 13 world championship titles,” he said.

“It’s obviously a shame that he’s leaving us, but we discussed it in a very fair and respectful dialogue. What he leaves behind is not only a unique legacy, but also a structure that he helped to build.

“Of course, we will miss him – also as a person – but tomorrow we will still know how to build a very fast Formula 1 car.”

“In 2026 we want to continue where we are currently: at the top of Formula 1,” Mintzlaff said.

“Of course, there is no guarantee of this, but while we have proven that we can handle major rule changes, other teams have not managed to close the gap for three years.

“Max [Verstappen] will also have noticed this, and it makes me look totally positive into the future. We haven’t just been preparing for 2026 since yesterday.

“Sure, building your own engine is a big task and challenge, but we are confident that we can master this step. This is the next stage of development for Red Bull,” added Mintzlaff.