Horner’s place on the Milton Keynes-based squad was thrown into doubt earlier this yr within the wake of complaints about his behaviour made by a feminine worker.
The probe triggered a prolonged investigation which ultimately cleared Horner however triggered an inside energy battle that risked tearing the group aside.
There was speak that the Thai majority homeowners of the Pink Bull vitality drinks firm had been totally supportive of Horner, whereas the Austrian aspect of the enterprise, led by Mintzlaff, wished him changed.
This view was additional fuelled by the truth that Mintzlaff saved a low profile amid the tense state of affairs and gave no formal help 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 group to success over the long run.
“I’m satisfied of that,” mentioned Mintzlaff. “He solely has the group’s success in thoughts and is an excellent CEO.”
Pink 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 can be leaving at first of subsequent yr.
And whereas Mintzlaff just isn’t delighted at dropping somebody as gifted as Newey, he says the technical construction in place is one that can enable the group to proceed producing nice automobiles.
Max Verstappen, Pink Bull Racing, Helmut Marko, Marketing consultant, Pink Bull Racing, Christian Horner, Group Principal, Pink Bull Racing
Photograph by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
“Adrian has finished nice issues right here through the years 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 singular legacy but additionally a construction that he helped to construct.
“After all, we’ll miss him – additionally as an individual – however tomorrow we’ll nonetheless know construct a really quick System 1 automotive.”
The timing of Newey’s departure means Pink Bull can be with out him for the transition into F1’s new guidelines period from 2026, when the group can even be working its personal engine.
And whereas not underestimating the dimensions of the problem forward, Mintzlaff sees no motive why Pink Bull can’t do effectively with the subsequent era of automobiles.
“In 2026 we need to proceed the place we’re at present: on the prime of System 1,” he mentioned.
“After all, there isn’t any assure of this, however whereas we’ve got confirmed that we will deal with main rule adjustments, different groups haven’t managed to shut the hole for 3 years.
“Max [Verstappen] can even have seen this, and it makes me look completely constructive 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 will grasp this step. That is the subsequent stage of improvement for Pink Bull.”
