Sports
Red Bull Faces Strategic Setback with Will Courtenay’s Departure to McLaren, Warns Guenther Steiner
Red Bull experiencing unusual talent exodus, facing warnings of a depleted team
Guenther Steiner views Will Courtenay's departure from Red Bull as an additional setback
Guenther Steiner has cautioned that Red Bull's strategic division will suffer a significant blow with the departure of Will Courtenay.
The individual leading race strategy at Red Bull is set to become the sporting director for McLaren, with the transition expected to take place around the middle of 2026.
Steiner argues that it represents another setback for Red Bull, yet they possess the resilience to bounce back.
"Eventually, Red Bull will run out of people! They won't have any desks left," Steiner, a former Red Bull worker, shared with the Red Flags podcast.
"I'm familiar with Will; he spent a considerable duration there. If I recall correctly, I was the one who hired him initially.
"It's just how it happened. He felt there was no advancement for him at Red Bull, and then McLaren came along with a proposal for him to become their sporting director."
"There isn't one available, and Andrea Stella is not inclined to handle everything solo.
"Will is an excellent addition to their team. He's familiar with the field, understands strategy, and is well-versed in the rules of sports."
"Red Bull is undergoing organizational changes, and it's possible he didn't fit into their future strategy."
"Events like these are part of F1. However, Red Bull definitely doesn't get any stronger when individuals such as Will depart."
'Steiner asserts that Courtenay's strategic contributions have significantly propelled Red Bull to the forefront, culminating in Max Verstappen securing three straight F1 titles, highlighting McLaren's strategic shortcomings.'
"Red Bull commits the fewest errors," stated the ex-Haas team leader.
"The approach is such that its success goes unnoticed, but its failure is always highlighted."
Mistakes at Red Bull are uncommon, and Will plays a role in that. He's in charge.
"As a director of sports, it's unclear to me whether the approach we're taking with Will at McLaren will be successful."
"He understands the process and the requirements. This will benefit them.
"McLaren doesn't excel in strategic planning."
Steiner voiced his worry about the large number of individuals exiting Red Bull.
Courtney joins the ranks of prominent personnel departing, following Adrian Newey's move to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley's transition to Audi.
"Steiner remarked that the brain drain is somewhat above the usual level."
"Reflect on the previous year. The number of individuals who departed? Zero."
"This year, departures are occurring in every direction. A lengthy roster of individuals is exiting."
"Moreover, it involves a mental aspect – individuals have spent a considerable period there. When a person departs, they often think, 'this change will also benefit me. It’s better to leave now while my value is high, given that I was part of the top team over the last five years."
"Your worth is significant. However, if you delay excessively and the team lacks strength, your worth diminishes."
Principal Christian Horner continues to lead the team, following a challenging year marked by an investigation into his conduct, alongside dealing with Red Bull's decreased performance in races.
"Christian, the captain hasn't left, and neither have the engineers," Steiner explained.
"Pierre Wache remains in position, displaying exceptional skill."
"They plan to reconstruct using fresh, younger skills."
"It provides chances to individuals who might otherwise depart. As those at the top exit, it paves the way for newcomers to step in.
"It's possible they might match or even surpass the abilities of those departing. The uncertainty remains until you actively seek the answer."
"They have the capacity to occupy many of the positions internally."
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