Source: REUTERS/SHUJI KAJIYAMA
[Saba Sports News] Red Bull Group CEO Oliver Mintzlaff strongly rebutted Ralf Schumacher’s prophecy about Max Verstappen leaving the team to German media. The head of this Red Bull empire revealed that he personally called and warned the former F1 driver: “In the past four years, we’ve won four world championships; outsiders don’t have a say.” Even more shocking is that internal documents show Verstappen’s contract contains a “2026 technical veto power,” effectively dispelling rumors of a transfer. Newly disclosed Red Bull board meeting minutes show that to keep Verstappen, the team has promised him unprecedented technical decision-making power in 2026. This includes the right to veto the direction of car design and form an exclusive technical team. Meanwhile, Ford suddenly announced an additional €200 million in research and development funds. Its new hybrid unit has achieved 300 hours of uninterrupted operation in bench tests, with thermal efficiency breaking through 52%, far exceeding Mercedes’ latest engine efficiency of 49%. Some fans believe that behind this PR battle is the clear signal that Red Bull Team sends to the entire paddock: when the sleeping giant awakens, all skeptics will fall silent.