A significant shake-up is underway at Red Bull, and it's not just the team principal and directors who are leaving. Max Verstappen, the current world champion, is facing a major blow with the departure of three key mechanics from his team for the 2026 season.
Verstappen's trusted group of engineers is undergoing a reshuffle, with only his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, staying by his side. The performance, engine, and control engineers are all set to move on, and here's where it gets interesting: two of them are joining F1 rivals.
According to Dutch publication de Telegraaf, the control engineer, Michael Manning, has already announced his departure, effective from the end of 2025. But the real surprise comes with the news that Tom Hart, the performance engineer, and David Mart, the engine engineer, are also leaving. Mart is joining Audi's new F1 venture, while Hart is taking on a senior role at Williams.
This news adds to the significant changes Red Bull has undergone since the start of 2024. Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, and Jonathan Wheatley have all left their respective roles as team principal, chief technical officer, and sporting director. Even the chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson, has joined Stake, which is now Audi, ahead of the 2026 season.
So, what does this mean for Verstappen and Red Bull? It's a big question mark, especially with the performance and engine engineers moving to rival teams. Will they be able to maintain their dominance, or will this shake-up impact their performance on the track? And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the drivers; the entire team plays a crucial role in their success.
What do you think? Is this a major concern for Red Bull, or do you think they can adapt and continue their winning streak? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your take on this intriguing development in the world of F1.
