Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff criticized Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff over his very public attempts to try and bring Max Verstappen to his team.

Rumors of a potential Verstappen departure has gathered steam in recent months amidst chaos within the Red Bull F1 team – including this week, when car designer Adrian Newey announced he was leaving next season.

Mintzlaff, who is in charge of the Red Bull parent company’s ‘corporate projects’ – which includes their sports teams – says he isn’t worried over the Dutchman leaving.

‘[Verstappen] is a thoroughbred racer and wants to win every race, every qualifying and every training session,’ Mintzlaff told German outlet Bild. ‘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 setup, 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 fulfil it. I’m not at all worried that he’s considering a move.

Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff has publicly criticized Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff
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Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff has publicly criticized Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff

Mintzlaff blasted Wolff for publicly trying to court Max Verstappen to join the Mercedes team
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Mintzlaff blasted Wolff for publicly trying to court Max Verstappen to join the Mercedes team

Mintzlaff says that Verstappen is 'a loyal guy' and there are 'many reasons for staying'

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Mintzlaff says that Verstappen is ‘a loyal guy’ and there are ‘many reasons for staying’

‘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.’

Mintzlaff, who was formerly the CEO at RB Leipzig, also specifically called out Wolff by name.

‘I understand the pressure that Toto Wolff and perhaps other teams have after years of being behind. But I think Toto Wolff should concentrate on his challenges. He’s had enough of that.

‘And it also has something to do with respect when you keep talking about the personnel of other teams – that’s not right.’

He added: ‘Like I said, Max wants the fastest car. We have this. Max wants to become world champion. With us he has the best chances.

‘And Max is a loyal guy. He knows that Christian Horner and Helmut Marko have always placed their trust in him. He appreciates that.

‘In addition, Red Bull is simply a great brand that he can extremely identify with. So there are many reasons for staying – and none against it.’