Even Günther Steiner was taken aback by the sudden departure of Helmut Marko from Red Bull. The Austrian retired after the GP Abu Dhabi, but not without making some notable comments about former team boss Christian Horner. However, according to Steiner, calm will return to Red Bull, especially with Laurent Mekies as team boss and Max Verstappen under contract until 2028: ‘All the ingredients for success are present’.
Red Bull announced shortly after the GP Abu Dhabi that Helmut Marko’s time with the Austrian team had come to an end. The Austrian had been the team’s advisor for many years, and was instrumental in the Formula 1 careers of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, among others. However, Marko did not leave quietly. In an interview with De Limburger, the former executive spoke about the ‘dirty games’ of former team boss Christian Horner.
According to Günther Steiner, former team boss of Haas, calm will return to Red Bull, although not immediately. “I think it’s just a process that takes some time,” the Italian tells Sport Krone. “There has been unrest at Red Bull for some time, probably more than many expected. And as for Dr. Marko, I think he left because of his age. I didn’t expect him to lash out like that again. But it’s good entertainment, isn’t it?”
A Quieter Period for Red Bull
Marko’s sudden departure came as a surprise to many, and Steiner also did not see the farewell coming. “I didn’t expect it to go like this – I actually thought he would announce his retirement after next season,” the Italian adds. “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 will certainly hear more from him in the future – we don’t need to worry about that.” Meanwhile, Red Bull is heading into a quieter period, Steiner expects: ‘I think it will become quieter with team boss 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.”
