Verstappen Faces Major Blow as Three Key Red Bull Mechanics Depart for 2026

Max Verstappen is set to lose three of his core Red Bull mechanics by 2026, marking a significant shake-up for the reigning world champion. Of his four primary engineers, only race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is expected to remain with Verstappen, as his performance, engine, and control engineers are all slated to depart, with two moving to rival F1 teams.

Why it matters:

This exodus of key personnel from Max Verstappen's direct support team could have a profound impact on his performance and Red Bull's stability heading into the crucial 2026 regulation changes. The departure of experienced engineers often necessitates a period of adjustment for new team members to integrate and for the driver to build new working relationships, potentially affecting the team's championship aspirations.

The details:

• Significant Departures: Dutch publication de Telegraaf reports that control engineer Michael Manning's departure was already known for the end of 2025. Now, performance engineer Tom Hart and engine engineer David Mart are also confirmed to be leaving.
• Moves to Rivals: David Mart will join Audi's inaugural factory effort in Formula 1 from 2026, bringing his expertise to a new competitor. Tom Hart is set to take on a more senior role at Williams, indicating a clear career progression outside of Red Bull.
• Retained Core: Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen's long-standing and highly regarded race engineer, is the sole remaining member of his core engineering quartet, providing some continuity amid the changes.
• Broader Staff Changes: These departures are part of a larger trend at Red Bull since early 2024. Chief mechanic Lee Stevenson notably moved to Stake (soon to be Audi) ahead of the 2026 season.

The big picture:

Red Bull has seen significant personnel flux throughout 2024, including high-profile exits such as Christian Horner (Team Principal), Adrian Newey (Chief Technical Officer), and Jonathan Wheatley (Sporting Director). These movements suggest a period of restructuring within the team, which could be influenced by internal dynamics or the anticipation of new regulations in 2026. Maintaining a stable and experienced technical team is paramount for success in Formula 1, especially during periods of significant rule changes, as it ensures consistent development and adaptation.

What's next:

The focus will now shift to how Red Bull plans to replace these critical roles and integrate new engineers into Verstappen's team ahead of 2026. The ability to seamlessly transition and maintain high performance levels will be key to their continued dominance and competitiveness as the sport enters a new era of technical regulations. The coming months will likely reveal Red Bull's strategy for rebuilding its engineering strength around its star driver.