Popular Red Bull theory refuted as 'big difference' for Max Verstappen assessed

Guenther Steiner has dismissed the suggestion that Red Bull's late-season turnaround was "primarily" due to new team principal Laurent Mekies.

The former Haas boss argued it would be "reading a bit too much into it", but did concede the Frenchman has "brought calm" after the recent turbulent period under Christian Horner.

Mekies was promoted from the same role at sister team Racing Bulls in the days following the British Grand Prix in July last year, after Horner was relieved of his duties after over 20 years in charge.

The Briton has been the only person to hold the position since Red Bull entered F1 in 2005, but the situation had become untenable with the Milton Keynes-based squad appearing to be in the throes of a slow decline.

Despite having won six constructors' championships — and eight drivers' titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen — internal politics and infighting had started to bleed into on-track performance, with results gradually worsening.

Soon after Mekies' appointment, a floor upgrade, which was delivered to the bottom of Verstappen's RB21 for the Italian Grand Prix, transformed the Dutchman's fortunes and thrust him back into contention for what would have been a fifth-consecutive F1 drivers' crown.

Whilst he ultimately fell just two points short of eventual champion Lando Norris, his new boss has been credited — along with the new ways of working he has implemented — as being the catalyst for the late-season revival.

Steiner, however, is not wholly convinced. When asked by Sport Krone whether Mekies was "primarily" the cause of Red Bull's resurgence, he replied: "I think that would be reading a bit too much into it.

"Certainly, Mekies has brought calm after the Horner turmoil – but the car's performance was definitely already there, because Laurent can't make a car fast in two weeks, he's not that good."

The Italian highlighted how that change in the environment at Red Bull helped facilitate Verstappen's charge over the final nine rounds of the campaign, which saw him win six grands prix and add a further three podiums.

"But the added calm alone has made a big difference," Steiner explained. "It has certainly helped Max Verstappen as well, as there wasn't constant drama surrounding the team at every race.

"The whole team could finally concentrate on what's essential again."