Red Bull's strategy chief to jump ship to McLaren as new sporting director

In a major shake-up within the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing’s head of race strategy, Will Courtenay, is set to depart from the team after a successful two-decade-long stint. Courtenay will be joining rivals McLaren as their new sporting director, as confirmed by McLaren in an official statement on Tuesday.

This high-profile switch comes amid significant personnel changes at Red Bull, including the departure of their legendary designer, Adrian Newey, to Aston Martin earlier this month. Courtenay, a pivotal figure behind Red Bull's race strategies, will report directly to McLaren's racing director, Randeep Singh.

However, the exact timeline for his transition remains unclear, as reports suggest that his contract with Red Bull is set to expire only in mid-2026. This means that while McLaren has secured Courtenay's expertise for the future, his availability might be delayed.

Andrea Stella expresses his excitement

McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed excitement over Courtenay’s recruitment, praising his wealth of experience and leadership skills in motorsport. “We are delighted to welcome Will to McLaren. His experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function,” said Stella.

He added that Courtenay’s addition to McLaren’s leadership would be crucial in their quest to challenge for wins and championships in the future. As McLaren enters a critical phase in their Formula 1 journey, the hiring of a seasoned strategist like Courtenay could provide the team with the competitive edge they need.

Currently, McLaren sits 41 points ahead of Red Bull in the constructors' standings with six races remaining in the season, further intensifying the rivalry between the two teams. Courtenay's move will bring a new dimension to McLaren’s ambitions, as both teams battle it out for supremacy on the grid.