Red Bull tech chief pens new contract for F1 future

Pierre Wache, Red Bull's technical director, has committed his Formula One career to the Milton Keynes-based team after signing a significantly better deal earlier this year. While Pierre Wache signed a long-term deal in mid-2023, he signed another contract in February to improve it. Meanwhile, the new deals keep him with Red Bull until the end of 2028.

Wache has been working with Formula One since 2001. He began his career at Michelin, a tyre supplier, before moving on to BMW Sauber as a performance engineer in Formula One. In 2013, Wache joined Red Bull Racing. He began as Chief Engineer of Performance and was appointed technical director in 2018. Wache played an important role in Max Verstappen's three world championships as well as Red Bull Racing's two constructors' crowns in 2022 and 2023.

Wache looks to have sent a strong message to other clubs interested in the Frenchman's expertise. According to Italian media reports, Ferrari was particularly interested in retaining Wache's services for 2023. Despite the improved deal he moved to Maranello does not appear to be close.

Pierre Wache will take charge of developing cars

There is still little question that the Scuderia will target Adrian Newey shortly. Newey will leave the Red Bull company in early 2025, having already reduced his engagement with the reigning world champions. 

As a result of Newey's departure, Wache will be in charge of developing the 2026 cars, which will be built by new technological standards. In recent years, the Frenchman has emerged as the technical brains behind Red Bull Racing's on-track success. However, Newey's contribution will have been significant, particularly given the famed engineer's recent mega-salary. 

Wache is entering a new phase of his career as he takes on more responsibility for the Red Bull F1 project.