Guenther Steiner Weighs In on Helmut Marko's Red Bull Departure

Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Red Bull Racing is well-positioned to handle Helmut Marko's departure, suggesting the team's established structure under Laurent Mekies's leadership will prevent any significant decline. However, Steiner also noted that Marko's return is always a possibility if the team feels his absence in the future.

Why it matters:

Helmut Marko has been a pivotal figure at Red Bull for over two decades, instrumental in driver development and strategic direction. His exit marks the end of an era for the team, raising questions about the stability and future decision-making within one of Formula 1's most successful organizations.

The details:

• Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, Steiner stated he doesn't believe Red Bull will be "worse off" due to its well-established operations and the competent leadership of Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
• He suggested that Marko's advanced age and the grueling travel schedule of a 24-race F1 calendar likely contributed to the decision for him to step back.
• Steiner left the door open for a potential return, remarking, "If they feel something is missing after the first half of next season, they can just call Helmut back."
• In related comments, Marko himself took partial responsibility for Max Verstappen's narrow championship loss to Lando Norris, admitting the team did not provide a consistently competitive car.

What's next:

The 2025 season will be the first true test of Red Bull's post-Marko era. All eyes will be on the team's internal dynamics and whether the leadership of Laurent Mekies can maintain the team's competitive edge and strategic sharpness without one of its longest-serving architects. Steiner's comments imply the transition may be smoother than some anticipate, but the option to recall Marko remains a safety net should challenges arise.