Horner’s place on the Milton Keynes-based squad was thrown into doubt earlier this 12 months within the wake of complaints about his behaviour made by a feminine worker.
The probe triggered a prolonged investigation which eventually cleared Horner however triggered an inside energy battle that risked tearing the staff aside.
There was speak that the Thai majority house owners of the Crimson Bull power drinks firm have been totally supportive of Horner, whereas the Austrian aspect of the enterprise, led by Mintzlaff, needed him changed.
This view was additional fuelled by the truth that Mintzlaff stored a low profile amid the tense scenario and gave no formal assist for Horner regardless of having had the chance to take action throughout a go to to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
However in a uncommon interview with Bild Am Sonntag, Mintzlaff has made clear that he’s totally supportive of Horner and believes he can proceed to guide the staff to success over the long run.
“I’m satisfied of that,” mentioned Mintzlaff. “He solely has the staff’s success in thoughts and is an excellent CEO.”
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Marketing consultant, Crimson Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Crew Principal, Crimson Bull Racing
Picture by: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Crimson Bull’s process to maintain profitable sooner or later has not been made any simpler by the departure of its chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who might be leaving in the beginning of subsequent 12 months.
Whereas Mintzlaff just isn’t delighted at shedding somebody as proficient as Newey, he says the technical construction in place is one that may permit the staff to proceed producing nice vehicles.
“Adrian has accomplished nice issues right here over time and performed a giant half in us profitable 13 world championship titles,” he mentioned.
“It is clearly a disgrace that he is leaving us, however we mentioned it in a very reasonable and respectful dialogue. What he leaves behind just isn’t solely a novel legacy but additionally a construction that he helped to construct.
“After all, we are going to miss him – additionally as an individual – however tomorrow we are going to nonetheless know the way to construct a really quick Components 1 automobile.”
The timing of Newey’s departure means Crimson Bull might be with out him for the transition into F1’s new guidelines period from 2026, when the staff may even be operating its personal engine.
Adrian Newey, Chief Know-how Officer, Crimson Bull Racing inspects the automobile of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari on the grid
Picture by: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
And whereas not underestimating the size of the problem forward, Mintzlaff sees no cause why Crimson Bull can’t do nicely with the subsequent era of vehicles.
“In 2026 we need to proceed the place we’re at present: on the high of Components 1,” he mentioned.
“After all, there isn’t any assure of this, however whereas we now have confirmed that we are able to deal with main rule adjustments, different groups haven’t managed to shut the hole for 3 years.
“Max [Verstappen] may even have seen this, and it makes me look completely Positive into the long run. We have not simply been getting ready for 2026 since yesterday.
“Certain, constructing your individual engine is a giant process and problem, however we’re assured that we are able to grasp this step. That is the subsequent stage of improvement for Crimson Bull.”