Will Courtenay, Red Bull's Head of Race Strategy, is set to leave his position to join McLaren as their Sporting Director, according to an announcement from the Woking-based team on Tuesday. Courtenay's departure adds to a string of significant exits from Red Bull, which recently lost prominent figures such as Adrian Newey, the star designer and former chief technical officer, who transitioned to Aston Martin as their Managing Technical Partner earlier this month.
After spending two decades at Red Bull, Courtenay will be reporting to McLaren’s Racing Director, Randeep Singh. While the exact timing of his move to McLaren remains unclear, media reports indicate that Courtenay’s contract with Red Bull is valid until mid-2026, suggesting that he may have some time left before making the switch.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed enthusiasm about Courtenay's appointment, highlighting his extensive experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport. "We are delighted to welcome Will to McLaren," Stella stated. "His skills make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function."
As the teams head into the final six rounds of the season, including the upcoming United States Grand Prix, Red Bull currently trails McLaren by 41 points in the constructors' standings. This transition comes at a pivotal time for both teams as they aim to enhance their competitive edge in the championship race.
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