F1 NEWS TODAY: Axed F1 boss makes Red Bull return verdict after ‘pretty cool decision’… Read more
Guenther Steiner Addresses Red Bull Rumours Following Horner Exit, Praises New Appointment
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has addressed recent speculation linking him to Red Bull Racing after the team made the bold decision to part ways with long-time boss Christian Horner. Despite his historical ties with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Steiner has clarified that he was never approached about stepping into Horner’s role and praised the team’s choice to appoint Laurent Mekies as his successor.
Horner’s surprise departure earlier this month ended a 20-year tenure that saw Red Bull rise to dominance in Formula 1, securing multiple Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships under his leadership. His abrupt exit left many fans and paddock insiders wondering who could possibly fill the sizeable void left behind.
While Steiner’s name was floated in the rumour mill, particularly due to his earlier association with Red Bull between 2005 and 2008, he has firmly dismissed the idea of being in contention. Speaking in an exclusive interview with GPFans during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa, the Italian made his position clear.
“No, they didn’t call me,” Steiner said. “No, no, no. But I’ve been there, and I’m fine without being there. And last year [Laurent Mekies] was with Racing Bulls, so he knows everything, and they know him. So actually, the decision to go in that direction was pretty cool.”
Steiner’s comments suggest satisfaction with the team’s internal promotion strategy, given Mekies’ familiarity with the Red Bull structure. Mekies previously held leadership roles at Ferrari before returning to the Red Bull fold via Racing Bulls (formerly AlphaTauri), where he already had working relationships with various team members, including drivers.
Despite the endorsement, Mekies’ first race weekend as Red Bull’s team principal was a mixed affair. The highlight came in the Sprint Race, where Max Verstappen secured a victory, momentarily lifting spirits. However, Saturday’s success did not translate into Sunday’s race, with Verstappen qualifying only fourth and failing to make significant progress during the Grand Prix. The Dutch driver’s fourth-place finish meant he ceded more points to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who continue to challenge for top positions in the Drivers’ Championship.
Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda offered a glimmer of hope during qualifying by securing seventh—his best result yet for Red Bull under Mekies’ leadership. The Japanese driver has previously worked closely with Mekies at Racing Bulls and appeared poised to deliver a strong result. Unfortunately, Tsunoda’s race unravelled, as he slipped back through the field to finish 13th. This result extended his disappointing streak of six consecutive races without scoring a single point.
Red Bull now faces a challenging second half of the season, not just in terms of on-track performance, but also in managing team morale and adapting to new leadership under Mekies. Verstappen’s future continues to be a focal point of speculation, particularly with the team undergoing structural changes. His ability to maintain composure and deliver under pressure will be vital if Red Bull are to mount a credible title defense.
While Steiner won’t be returning to Red Bull, his approval of the team’s decision signals confidence in Mekies’ potential to lead. Only time will tell whether the “pretty cool decision” will translate into sustained success on the grid.
About The Author
