Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has thrown his weight behind Christian Horner following weeks of cagey remarks while the team principal was clinging onto his job. Earlier this season, Mintzlaff was reported to be in a faction of senior Red Bull figures who wanted Horner dismissed.
Accusations of inappropriate behaviour from a female colleague sparked an independent inquiry into Horner. The 50-year-old, who has always denied wrongdoing, was eventually cleared.
But the saga exposed a number of cracks in Red Bull’s senior ranks as Max Verstappen’s dad, Jos, publicly called for Horner to step down. The drinks company’s majority owner, Chalerm Yoovidhya, reportedly fought Horner’s corner behind the scenes while other important figures wanted him out.
Mintzlaff was understood to be among them, even though he claimed to be ‘happy’ with the team’s management during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend in March. Now, the German has offered his biggest show of public support yet.
When asked by Bild Am Sonntag whether he believes Horner can lead Red Bull to more glory, he said: “I am convinced of that. He only has the team’s success in mind and is a very good CEO.”
Despite Horner weathering the storm, the reigning constructors’ champions are in a state of disarray, with chief technical officer Adrian Newey handing in his resignation due to discontent with the team’s working environment, and others reportedly weighing up whether to follow.
Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, credited with making the team almost unbeatable at pitstops, is believed to be considering his options. And the 56-year-old has already been ‘sounding out’ rival outfits for a team principal position.
Although Newey could join an F1 rival, with Ferrari and Aston Martin heavily linked, Mintzlaff is optimistic that the impact of his departure will not be as devastating as many expect.
“Adrian has done great things here over the years and played a big part in us winning 13 world championship titles,” added the German. “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.”
