Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Former Red Bull Strategy Boss Will Courtenay Joins McLaren as Sporting Director After Early Release

The long-serving Red Bull strategist arrives early, giving McLaren a tactical boost ahead of F1’s 2026 rules reset.

Overview

  • Courtenay confirmed his move via LinkedIn, ending a protracted contract standoff that had been expected to keep him out until mid-2026.
  • He will report to McLaren racing director Randeep Singh as he transitions into the Sporting Director role in Woking.
  • The 22-year Red Bull veteran, who spent 15 years as head of race strategy, brings championship-winning experience and insight into a key rival’s tactics.
  • Red Bull is expected to reshuffle its strategy department, with Principal Strategy Engineer Hannah Schmitz reported as a likely internal successor.
  • The switch comes as McLaren enters the season as reigning Drivers’ and Constructors’ champions and as Red Bull navigates a series of senior departures reported over the past year.