-Raymond Vermeulen (Max’s manager)"We hear good things about the engine, but what is good? I don't know, what's the reference? So let's wait and see.
Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff speaks in exclusive interview: this is how he wants to keep Max Verstappen on board forever
He's Verstappen's mouthpiece, and Verstappen is on good terms with RB Austria.
Same can be said about the RB16B, RB18 was a standout.lio007 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025, 12:23It's mentioned quite often that Red Bull invested a lot in the RB21, also Laurent Mekies said it comes at a cost.
But I'd say RBR never believed it would be so close at the end and just focussed on the tool chain and procedures to validate and gain confidence. I can't believe they've not allocated a reasonable amount of resources to RB22.
For Jan - Jun 2025, Red Bull were allocated 10% more aerodynamic resources than the leading team (Mclaren). For July - Dec 2025, Red Bull were allocated 15% more aerodynamic resources than the leading team (Mclaren). In the first half of 2026, Red bull will have 10% more again.lio007 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025, 12:23It's mentioned quite often that Red Bull invested a lot in the RB21, also Laurent Mekies said it comes at a cost.
But I'd say RBR never believed it would be so close at the end and just focussed on the tool chain and procedures to validate and gain confidence. I can't believe they've not allocated a reasonable amount of resources to RB22.
Thanks for sharing. Sounds very much like Mintzslaff is quite appreciative of Horner and not blind to the fact that Marko was/is a loose cannon. I think his assessment if fair enough. I just hope, like you pointed out earlier, that Mintzlaff and the other shareholders can have the patience to see out the initial year(s) of PU struggles and don't pull the plugg prematurly. So far every bit of info and rumours sound positive though, and it does seem they have very good people. As long as Ford can pay a large part of the bill, there is potential for a solid view years up until 2030.AR3-GP wrote: ↑21 Dec 2025, 10:37EvH has done an interesting interview with Oliver Mintzlaff about the changes at RBR: https://archive.is/Z6CgM
Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff speaks in exclusive interview: this is how he wants to keep Max Verstappen on board forever
I also got a better sense of Mintzlaff. He seems committed to F1. Red Bull extended the contract for the Austrian GP to 2041. Mintzlaff also said they think they can keep Max at Red Bull forever, and we know what the requirements are for that to happen. So Red Bull appear to be all in on these projects. No expense spared.ME4ME wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025, 13:13Thanks for sharing. Sounds very much like Mintzslaff is quite appreciative of Horner and not blind to the fact that Marko was/is a loose cannon. I think his assessment if fair enough. I just hope, like you pointed out earlier, that Mintzlaff and the other shareholders can have the patience to see out the initial year(s) of PU struggles and don't pull the plugg prematurly. So far every bit of info and rumours sound positive though, and it does seem they have very good people. As long as Ford can pay a large part of the bill, there is potential for a solid view years up until 2030.AR3-GP wrote: ↑21 Dec 2025, 10:37EvH has done an interesting interview with Oliver Mintzlaff about the changes at RBR: https://archive.is/Z6CgM
Red Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff speaks in exclusive interview: this is how he wants to keep Max Verstappen on board forever
I disagree with RB18 being a standout. I thought it was quite an average car, flattered by lack of competition. Mercedes was nowhere and struggled badly with bounching and Ferrari got shot in the foot by the technical directive, as well as Ferrari being Ferrari strategically, and Leclerc making some errors. The RB18 always was a diamond in the rough; good foundation but lacking refinement. Probably because of RB16B. It was an overweight understeering monster. Still remember it being a cruise ship that year in Imola. It was laughable.
The RB18 was an excellent car by every means. The car was absolutely dominant in Imola, not sure what you mean by cruise ship. The race pace of that car was absolutely insane. It won 17 races lol. Ferrari were already outdeveloped by Red Bull before the TD. The TD killed Ferrari from fighting for more wins but only Red Bull nailed the regulations spot on.ME4ME wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025, 13:20I disagree with RB18 being a standout. I thought it was quite an average car, flattered by lack of competition. Mercedes was nowhere and struggled badly with bounching and Ferrari got shot in the foot by the technical directive, as well as Ferrari being Ferrari strategically, and Leclerc making some errors. The RB18 always was a diamond in the rough; good foundation but lacking refinement. Probably because of RB16B. It was an overweight understeering monster. Still remember it being a cruise ship that year in Imola. It was laughable.
I doubt an "RB18" kind of car will cut it against Mercedes and Mclaren in 2026.
Mekies is just trying to reduce expectations, if the car is a front runner, he ends up looking like a genius and his focus on fixing correlation is vindicated.lio007 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025, 12:23It's mentioned quite often that Red Bull invested a lot in the RB21, also Laurent Mekies said it comes at a cost.
But I'd say RBR never believed it would be so close at the end and just focussed on the tool chain and procedures to validate and gain confidence. I can't believe they've not allocated a reasonable amount of resources to RB22.
