Red Bull head of race strategy Will Courtenay has been appointed as the new McLaren sporting director marking the third key member to leave Milton Keynes.
This strategic move comes at a pivotal moment for both teams, with McLaren looking to solidify its resurgence in the sport while Red Bull faces a period of massive exodus. Courtenay’s extensive experience and proven track record make him a key asset for the Woking outfit as they aim to reclaim their status among the leading teams in F1.
Will Courtenay’s career at Red Bull spans nearly two decades, beginning when the team was still operating under the Jaguar banner prior to its acquisition by Red Bull in 2005.
During his tenure, he has been integral to the team’s success, contributing to multiple championship victories through his innovative skills as Red Bull head of race strategy coupled with a keen understanding of the sport.
His departure from Red Bull marks the end of an era for a team that has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, but it also signals a new beginning for Courtenay at McLaren.
The team’s statement read: “McLaren Racing today announces that Will Courtenay will join the McLaren Formula 1 team as Sporting Director.
“Reporting into Randeep Singh, Racing Director, the role will help grow the team’s sporting operations as the team continues its pursuit of success in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
“Will joins McLaren after 20 years at Red Bull Racing, where he is currently in the role of Red Bull head of race strategy, bringing with him a wealth of experience.
Will’s expertise will add further depth to the team’s sporting operation and will help drive performance within the racing team.”
Team principal Andrea Stella expressed enthusiasm about Courtenay joining the organization, emphasizing that his experience will be invaluable as McLaren seeks to enhance its competitive edge.
“We are delighted to welcome Will to McLaren,” Stella said. “His experience, professionalism and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function.
“We are now entering a key phase in our journey as a team, and we are confident that he will be a great addition to our strong leadership team as we strive to continue challenging for wins and championships.”
From McLaren’s perspective, Courtenay’s hiring is part of a broader strategy to strengthen their leadership team as they seek to reclaim their status among the elite teams in Formula 1.
The team has made several strategic hires recently, including bringing in Rob Marshall from Red Bull as chief designer and Peter Prodromou as technical director responsible for aerodynamics.
However, Courtenay will remain with Red Bull until mid-2026 to honor his existing contract. This stipulation underscores the complexities often involved in team transitions within Formula 1, where contractual obligations can extend well beyond initial announcements.
Red Bull has acknowledged Courtenay’s contributions with a mix of regret and support, recognizing his vital role in their successes while wishing him well in his future endeavors.
“After a long and successful service, being with the team since the Jaguar days, we are sad to see Will go but wish him all the best in this step up,” a close source told BBC.
“Will continues to be part of the team, seeing out his contract until mid-2026.”
The timing of this move follows several high-profile departures from Red Bull in recent months. Notably, Adrian Newey, the team’s chief technical officer and one of the most successful designers in Formula 1 history, is set to join Aston Martin next year.
Additionally, Jonathan Wheatley, another key figure within Red Bull’s management structure, will be transitioning to Sauber under Audi’s ownership. These exits signal a period of substantial change for Red Bull as they aim to maintain their competitive edge amidst internal restructuring.
Meanwhile, McLaren has made significant strides forward under Stella’s leadership since December 2022, moving from being perennial underperformers to serious title contenders this season.
Currently sitting third in the Constructors’ Championship standings and trailing Red Bull by only 41 points, McLaren’s resurgence is evident.
The ongoing rivalry between these two teams adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming races as they vie for supremacy in what has become one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
