Red Bull strategy chief Courtenay to join McLaren

Red Bull Head of Race Strategy Will Courtenay Joins McLaren as Sporting Director

Red Bull’s head of race strategy, Will Courtenay, has announced his departure from the team after 14 years to join McLaren as their new sporting director. This marks the third senior management exit from Red Bull in the last five months, as McLaren continues to restructure under team principal Andrea Stella.

McLaren’s Restructure and Courtenay’s Role

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella praised Courtenay’s expertise, stating: “Will’s experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our sporting function.” Courtenay will report to racing director Randeep Singh and will focus on growing McLaren’s sporting operations.

McLaren’s restructuring began in December 2022 with Stella’s appointment as team principal, followed by the departure of former technical director James Key in March 2023. McLaren also signed Rob Marshall from Red Bull as chief designer in January.

Red Bull’s Reaction and Future Plans

While Red Bull declined to officially comment, a source from the team acknowledged Courtenay’s contributions: “After a long and successful service, we are sad to see Will go but wish him the best.” Courtenay is expected to remain with Red Bull until his contract expires in mid-2026, though negotiations could lead to an earlier departure.

Recent departures at Red Bull include chief technical officer Adrian Newey, who is set to join Aston Martin in 2024, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, who will join Audi’s team (currently Sauber) as team principal in 2025.

Impact of Red Bull’s Internal Issues

Red Bull’s recent leadership changes come amidst allegations of misconduct against team principal Christian Horner, accusations which he has consistently denied. Two internal Red Bull inquiries dismissed the complaint.

Despite these challenges, Red Bull has implemented a reorganisation following Wheatley’s departure. Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase was promoted to head of racing, while senior strategy engineer Stephen Knowles became head of sporting regulations.

McLaren’s Resurgence

Under Stella’s leadership, McLaren has transformed from struggling at the back of the grid to being championship contenders this season. With six races left, McLaren driver Lando Norris is 52 points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, while McLaren leads Red Bull by 41 points in the constructors’ championship.