Calm After the Storm: Red Bull Racing Poised for Revival as New Era Begins with Mekies
In a dramatic shake-up that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, Red Bull Racing is gearing up for a fresh chapter as it bids farewell to long-time advisor Helmut Marko. The 2026 season marks a turning point for the iconic team, now navigating the turbulent waters without the controversial figure who has been a fixture in their operations for over two decades. The departure of Marko, coupled with the unexpected firing of Christian Horner mid-season, has left many questioning the stability of the Milton Keynes-based powerhouse.
Enter Günther Steiner, the former Team Principal of Haas, who has observed the unfolding drama from the sidelines. Now at the helm of MotoGP’s Tech3, Steiner has weighed in on the internal strife at Red Bull, particularly following Marko’s explosive comments regarding Horner and the overall tense atmosphere within the squad. “It’s been a long time coming,” Steiner remarked, emphasizing that the unrest at Red Bull might have been more severe than outsiders realized.
Marko’s exit, which Steiner attributes in part to his advancing age, has led to speculation about the future dynamics of the team. “I didn’t expect him to react that way,” Steiner said, reflecting on the shockwaves caused by Marko’s statements. “But let’s be real, it’s good entertainment. I thought he would announce his retirement after the next season, but the pressures of F1 travel and age have clearly taken their toll.”
As the dust settles, Red Bull is looking to regain its competitive edge under the leadership of Laurent Mekies, the newly appointed Team Principal. Since Mekies took charge, the team has witnessed a remarkable turnaround, rejuvenating its performance and bringing Max Verstappen back into the title race—now just two points shy of a fifth world championship, trailing behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Steiner remains optimistic about Red Bull’s trajectory. “Decisions have been made, and I firmly believe that calm will return under Mekies,” he asserted, highlighting the team’s potent combination of top-tier talent and strategic expertise. “They have the best driver and a solid crew. All the ingredients for success are in place. Only time will reveal how they harness it.”
As Red Bull Racing embarks on this critical journey, the motorsport world is watching closely. Will the team reclaim its dominance, or will the internal upheaval prove too great to overcome? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—the saga of Red Bull Racing is far from over.
