Guenther Steiner rarely misses a chance to call it as he sees it – and Red Bull’s latest bout of internal drama was never going to escape his sharp eye.
The former Haas team principal has weighed in on Helmut Marko’s unexpected Red Bull exit, admitting he was caught off guard not just by the timing of the 82-year-old’s departure, but by the parting shots that followed.
Yet amid the noise, Steiner believes a calmer era is coming in Milton Keynes, led by new team principal Laurent Mekies.
Marko’s decision to step away at the end of the 2025 season closed a 20-year chapter at Red Bull, one defined by ruthless driver calls and a fearsome junior programme.
Official statements struck the expected respectful tone – but that peace didn’t last long.
In a blunt interview with De Telegraaf, Marko dismissed some of those farewell comments as “nonsense” and took aim at Christian Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull as team principal earlier in the year. For a team desperate to project stability, it was hardly ideal timing.
Asked whether calm had truly returned to the six-time Constructors’ Champions, Steiner suggested patience was required.
“I think it's simply a process that takes a bit of time,” the 60-year-old told Sport Krone. “There had been unrest at Red Bull for some time, probably even more than many had anticipated.
“And as for Dr. Marko, I believe he left due to his age. I didn't expect him to lash out like that again. But it's good entertainment, isn't it?”
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Steiner also admitted Marko’s departure itself was not something he saw coming so soon.
“I wasn't expecting it to happen that way – I actually thought he'd announce his retirement after next season,” he said.
“But yes, he's not getting any younger, and the constant travel in the Formula 1 circus takes its toll in the long run.
“But we'll certainly be hearing more from the Doctor in the future – no need to worry about that.”
With Horner gone and Mekies installed at the helm, Red Bull wasted little time reshaping its operations.
Subtle changes in working practices and a crucial floor upgrade introduced at Monza reignited Max Verstappen’s title challenge, dragging the four-time world champion back into contention before he narrowly lost out to Lando Norris.
For Steiner, that resurgence only reinforces his belief that the team’s foundations remain rock solid – and makes Marko’s late outburst all the more curious.
“Because it concerned things that happened quite a while ago, and he doesn't really have to justify himself for them,” Steiner said.
“At Red Bull, certain decisions were made, and that's that. But I think things will calm down again with team principal Laurent Mekies.
“They have the best driver and a good team – the ingredients for success are there. Time will tell what they make of it.”
Red Bull may still be echoing from its recent turbulence, but if Steiner’s instincts are right, the storm is easing.
Under Mekies’ quieter stewardship, the team that thrives on intensity might finally be heading for something it hasn’t enjoyed in a while: stability.
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