Red Bull Racing is undergoing significant personnel changes as several key figures depart for rival teams. Notably, Chief Strategist Will Courtenay is set to join McLaren as Sporting Director in mid-2026, after a two-decade tenure with Red Bull. Additionally, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley and Design Chief Adrian Newey are transitioning to Sauber (soon to be Audi) and Aston Martin, respectively.

Team Principal Christian Horner acknowledges the impact of these departures but emphasizes the opportunities they present for internal talent. He highlights Hannah Schmitz, the team’s long-standing Senior Strategy Engineer, as a prime example. Horner notes that Schmitz’s expertise made her a target for rival teams, but Courtenay’s exit allows her to step into a more prominent role within Red Bull.

Schmitz has been instrumental in developing and executing race strategies, contributing significantly to Red Bull’s success. Her promotion reflects the team’s commitment to nurturing internal talent and maintaining its competitive edge. Horner remains optimistic about Red Bull’s future, confident that the team’s depth of talent will sustain its dominant position in Formula 1.