Will Courtenay, Red Bull’s head of race strategy for 14 years, is leaving to join McLaren as sporting director. This marks the third high-profile departure from Red Bull’s senior management in just five months.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella welcomed Courtenay, citing his experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport as ideal qualities to lead the team’s sporting function. Courtenay will report to racing director Randeep Singh, focusing on growing McLaren’s sporting operations.
Red Bull is yet to put out an official statement on the issue. However, some sadness has been at Courtenay’s departure, acknowledging his long and successful service since the Jaguar era. Courtenay will reportedly see out his contract until mid-2026, but negotiations may lead to an earlier release.
Under Stella’s guidance, McLaren has risen from the back of the field to title contenders. Lando Norris trails Max Verstappen by 52 points in the drivers’ championship with six races remaining, while McLaren leads Red Bull by 41 points in the constructors’ championship.
