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Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff is adamant that he is “not worried” despite key figures leaving its F1 team in the last couple of seasons.
Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff remains confident despite significant departures from the Formula 1 team in recent years. The team’s dominance in the ground effects era began to wane in the 2024 season, culminating in Max Verstappen missing out on a fifth World Championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Key figures like Jonathon Wheatley, Adrian Newey, and Christian Horner have left the team, prompting internal changes.
Mintzlaff, who took over after Dietrich Mateschitz’s passing, is not concerned about the departures, believing in proper replacements. Despite fan reluctance towards change in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, Mintzlaff sees it as an opportunity for improvement and growth. The sacking of Christian Horner was a result of failing to address Red Bull’s declining performance, according to Mintzlaff.
Investigations into Horner’s alleged inappropriate behavior and a suspected political showdown played a role in his dismissal, as hinted by Helmut Marko. Mintzlaff made the decision to make changes after observing a downward trend in the team’s performance the previous year. The CEO emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a change in leadership is necessary for the team’s success.
