Audi Appoints Former Verstappen Chief Mechanic Lee Stevenson as Team Manager

Audi has appointed Lee Stevenson, formerly Max Verstappen's chief mechanic at Red Bull, as its new team manager. The move is part of a significant recruitment drive by the German manufacturer as it builds its team for its 2026 F1 entry, bringing in proven winners from a dominant era to establish a culture of excellence from day one.

Why it matters:

Stevenson's promotion adds another key piece to Audi's high-profile leadership, joining ex-Red Bull Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley. His experience is invaluable; he was integral to Red Bull's operational excellence, including their historically fast pit stops. For a brand-new outfit, importing this winning DNA is crucial to avoid the growing pains that typically plague new teams and to be competitive from the start.

The details:

• Stevenson began his F1 career with Jordan in 2000 before moving to Red Bull in 2006, eventually rising to chief mechanic in 2023, a season of Red Bull dominance.
• He initially joined Sauber in April 2024 as chief mechanic before this latest promotion to team manager as the team transitions to the Audi works outfit for 2026.
• His new role will likely mirror many of the responsibilities held by Wheatley during his time as Red Bull's sporting director, overseeing all trackside operations.
• The Red Bull pipeline: In a further sign of the team-building strategy, Matt Caller, Verstappen's number-one mechanic, is also set to join Audi and take over the chief mechanic role previously held by Stevenson.

What's next:

With its leadership structure rapidly falling into place, Audi's focus now shifts to the development and integration of its 2026 power unit and chassis. The team will be looking to translate the operational prowess that defined Red Bull's dominance into a competitive package for its own debut. All eyes will be on Hinwil to see if this aggressive recruitment strategy can deliver immediate results when the lights go out for the 2026 season.