Steiner: Red Bull Revival Wasn't Just About New Team Principal

Guenther Steiner has pushed back against the popular narrative that new Team Principal Laurent Mekies was the sole catalyst for Red Bull's late-season resurgence. While acknowledging Mekies brought crucial stability after the turbulent Christian Horner era, Steiner argues the team's revival was primarily driven by a significant car upgrade, not just a change in leadership.

Why it matters:

The discussion around Red Bull's turnaround highlights the delicate balance between technical performance and team chemistry in Formula 1. Attributing success to a single person can oversimplify the complex interplay of engineering upgrades, driver morale, and internal stability. For a team like Red Bull, which has faced recent internal strife, understanding the true source of their competitive edge is vital for maintaining momentum and building a cohesive unit for future challenges.

The details:

• Steiner believes crediting Mekies as the "primary" cause is "reading a bit too much into it," stating that "Laurent can't make a car fast in two weeks."
• The Real Catalyst: He points to a crucial floor upgrade introduced at the Italian Grand Prix as the main performance differentiator, which transformed Max Verstappen's RB21 and fueled his late-season charge.
• Mekies' Contribution: The former Haas boss concedes that Mekies "brought calm" after the "Horner turmoil," creating a more focused environment for the entire squad.
• Impact on Verstappen: This stability was a "big difference" for the Dutch driver, eliminating the "constant drama" and allowing him and the team to concentrate on performance, resulting in six wins in the final nine races.

What's next:

As Red Bull looks toward the 2026 season, the foundation laid by Mekies' leadership will be crucial. The challenge will be to merge the technical potential of the car with the stable, high-performance environment he has fostered. If the team can build on this newfound stability and continue to deliver strong upgrades, they will be well-positioned to challenge for championships again, with a focused Max Verstappen at the helm.