BREAKING: The Long-Awaited Switch From Red Bull to McLaren is F

Will Courtenay Completes Long-Awaited Switch From Red Bull to McLaren as Sporting Director

By Hugo Harvey

Former Red Bull Head of Race Strategy Will Courtenay has officially begun a new chapter in his Formula 1 career after completing his long-anticipated move to McLaren, where he will take up the role of Sporting Director. The transition brings to an end more than two decades of service with Red Bull and its predecessor teams and marks one of the most significant senior management changes in the F1 paddock ahead of the sport’s new regulatory era.

Courtenay’s move to McLaren was first announced in September 2024, but contractual constraints prevented an immediate transfer. Red Bull declined to release him early, choosing instead to retain his expertise on the pit wall throughout the 2025 season. Despite McLaren’s efforts to accelerate the process, Courtenay remained an integral part of Red Bull’s race operations until he was formally cleared to depart at the conclusion of his obligations.

Now free to begin his role at McLaren, Courtenay confirmed the move publicly via LinkedIn, offering an emotional farewell to the team that defined the majority of his professional career.

“After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, the last 15 as Head of Race Strategy, I’m excited to say I’m embarking on a new challenge with the McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team as Sporting Director,” Courtenay wrote. “I want to thank everyone I worked with at Red Bull. I made so many great friends and hope to see many of you around the paddock. It’s been an incredible two-plus decades. Now, I’m looking forward to settling into my new role and doing everything I can to help McLaren build on its recent success.”

Courtenay’s departure represents the end of an era at Red Bull. He joined the organisation during its Jaguar Racing days and became one of the most respected strategic minds in Formula 1. Over 15 seasons as Head of Race Strategy, he played a central role in Red Bull’s dominance across multiple championship cycles, contributing to race-winning calls that helped secure numerous Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles. His calm presence on the pit wall and sharp decision-making under pressure earned him widespread respect across the paddock.

At McLaren, Courtenay steps into a Sporting Director role that places him at the heart of race operations, governance, and competitive execution. He will report directly to Racing Director Randeep Singh and work closely with the team’s senior leadership as McLaren prepares for the sweeping technical and sporting regulation changes set to reshape Formula 1.

The timing of the move is particularly significant. McLaren will begin the upcoming season as reigning Drivers’ and Constructors’ Champions, a historic achievement for the Woking-based outfit and its first championship double since 1999. With expectations higher than they have been in decades, the team has been keen to reinforce its operational structure with proven leadership and experience.

Courtenay’s appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move designed to ensure McLaren maintains its competitive edge during a period of transition. The new regulations will place increased emphasis on race execution, adaptability, and strategic clarity, areas in which Courtenay has consistently excelled throughout his career.

Red Bull, meanwhile, is expected to promote Principal Strategy Engineer Hannah Schmitz to fill the vacancy left by Courtenay. Schmitz has already established herself as a key figure in Red Bull’s strategy group and is regarded as a natural successor, ensuring continuity within the Milton Keynes team’s race operations.

While Courtenay’s exit is a notable loss for Red Bull, his arrival at McLaren underscores the shifting balance of power within Formula 1. As teams position themselves for the next era of the sport, senior personnel moves such as this highlight the growing importance of experience and leadership away from the cockpit.

For Courtenay, the challenge is clear. He joins McLaren at the peak of its resurgence, tasked with helping transform recent success into sustained dominance. With his pedigree, experience, and proven track record, McLaren will be confident that they have secured one of the paddock’s most valuable strategic assets as Formula 1 enters a defining new chapter.

About The Author

Hugo Harvey

Hugo Harvey is a distinguished journalist, blogger, and publisher with a dynamic career that spans multiple areas of interest, from sports to entertainment. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Hugo has developed a reputation for delivering insightful and engaging content to his audience. His diverse interests make him a versatile writer, able to cover a wide range of topics with depth and clarity.

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