Red Bull chief announces REPLACEMENT following…read more.
Red Bull’s chief, Helmut Marko, has announced the team’s choice for a crucial replacement following the departure of a key member. In a year marked by challenges both on and off the track, Red Bull, the defending Formula 1 constructors’ champions, has had to respond quickly to secure their primary target after losing several key personnel.
While their on-track performance has been underwhelming this season, with drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez struggling to match their earlier form, the team has also been grappling with internal changes. McLaren has capitalized on Red Bull’s poor form, overtaking them at the top of the constructors’ standings with just six races left in the 2024 season. Verstappen’s dip in performance has allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris to close the gap in the drivers’ championship to just 52 points, adding more pressure on Red Bull as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Behind the scenes, Red Bull has faced a wave of high-profile exits, further compounding the difficulties of their turbulent season. In May, the team was rocked by the resignation of Adrian Newey, their legendary design chief, who ended a partnership that had brought immense success to the team. The blow was soon followed by the announcement that Jonathan Wheatley, Red Bull’s sporting director, would be leaving to become Audi’s team principal. In another significant departure, head of race strategy Will Courtenay decided to leave Red Bull to join their rivals McLaren, marking a notable shift in the team’s internal structure.
Despite these losses, Helmut Marko remains optimistic about Red Bull’s future. Speaking to Motorsport-Total, Marko acknowledged the frustration within the team but remained confident that Red Bull could overcome these challenges. He explained that it is not uncommon for successful teams to see their key members poached by competitors, a natural consequence of being at the top. According to Marko, Red Bull had anticipated this and already had a replacement lined up for Courtenay.
Marko revealed that Hannah Schmitz, a highly respected figure within Red Bull, would take over as the team’s head of race strategy. Schmitz has been with Red Bull since 2021, serving as the principal strategy engineer, and her expertise in this role has earned her significant respect within the organization. Marko expressed confidence that Schmitz would seamlessly step into her new position, helping to guide Red Bull as they rebuild for the future.
In discussing Courtenay’s departure, Marko noted that while Red Bull had made efforts to retain him, the offer did not align with Courtenay’s interests. Moreover, McLaren’s offer was more financially attractive, making it a logical move for Courtenay. Despite these setbacks, Marko emphasized that Red Bull is focused on moving forward and preparing for the future with Schmitz at the helm of their race strategy.
While Red Bull has faced a series of departures this season, the team remains determined to retain its competitive edge. With the experienced Hannah Schmitz stepping into the role of head strategist, the Milton Keynes-based outfit hopes to regain momentum both on and off the track as they enter the final races of the 2024 season.
