**Formula 1 Shake-Up: Top Strategist Makes Surprise Move**
In a major blow to Red Bull Racing, their head of race strategy, Will Courtenay, is leaving to join rival team McLaren as their new sporting director. Courtenay, who has spent 20 years with Red Bull, will report directly to McLaren’s racing director, Randeep Singh.
The news comes on the heels of another high-profile departure from Red Bull, with star designer and former chief technical officer Adrian Newey leaving to join Aston Martin earlier this month. Red Bull has lost several senior employees in recent months, and Courtenay’s move is seen as a significant coup for McLaren.
While the exact timing of Courtenay’s switch is unclear, with his Red Bull contract reportedly running until mid-2026, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed his excitement about the new addition. “Will’s experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function,” Stella said. “We’re entering a critical phase in our journey as a team, and we’re confident he’ll be a great addition to our strong leadership team as we strive to continue challenging for wins and championships.”
The move comes as Red Bull trails McLaren by 41 points in the constructors’ standings with just six rounds remaining, including next month’s highly anticipated United States Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo has been speaking about his future in F1 following the Singapore Grand Prix, sparking speculation about his next move.
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