Organizational Shifts as Red Bull Racing Looks to Future Success
Red Bull Racing is once again shaking up its team structure, a strategy aimed at maintaining their dominance in the world of Formula 1. With the departure of key figures like Jonathan Wheatley and celebrated aerodynamicist Adrian Newey, Red Bull has opted for a series of internal promotions to bolster its already robust lineup.
Gianpiero Lambiase, known for his pivotal role as Max Verstappen’s race engineer, will now take on a more senior role within the team. Red Bull Racing has promoted Lambiase from head of race engineering to a newly created position: head of racing. In this role, Lambiase will extend his influence beyond the pit wall.
Max Verstappen can breathe easy knowing that Lambiase will continue his pit-wall duties. The relationship between Lambiase and Verstappen has been instrumental in Red Bull Racing securing three consecutive drivers' championships. Lambiase's expanded responsibilities will also include overseeing the race, heritage, and car-build teams. Additionally, he will handle matters related to the strategy group and sporting regulations, reporting directly to Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache.
As part of this organizational reshuffle, Steve Knowles, previously a senior strategy engineer, will step up as the acting head of sporting matters, reporting to Lambiase. This strategic reporting structure aims to bring coherence in decision-making and execution during race weekends. Knowles’ promotion ensures that Red Bull’s sporting matters remain in experienced hands.
Rich Wolverson has been promoted to head of race team operations, ensuring the seamless functioning of the race day activities. Gerrard O'Reilly, on the other hand, has taken on the role of head of race team support and logistics. Both Wolverson and O'Reilly are expected to bring some longevity and continuity to their new roles, providing stability during this pivotal transitional phase.
Meanwhile, Chief Mechanic Phil Turner will transition to the role of race team factory operations manager. Turner's new position focuses on overseeing crucial back-end processes in the factory, essential for race day success. This move signals Red Bull's intention to maintain a competitive edge by optimizing their technical and operational processes.
Jonathan Wheatley, the outgoing sporting director, is set to start his new chapter as team principal for Sauber at the beginning of 2025. Wheatley's departure is a loss for Red Bull Racing, as he was instrumental in steward interactions and lodging appeals or protests during race weekends. Interestingly, Red Bull Racing has chosen not to appoint a direct replacement for Wheatley, signaling a shift towards a more decentralized leadership approach.
The changes don't end there. Adrian Newey, renowned for his groundbreaking work in aerodynamics, will be moving to Aston Martin prior to the 2025 season. Newey’s departure is a significant loss; however, Red Bull’s strategy of promoting from within and widening the responsibilities of experienced staff appears to be aimed at mitigating the impact of such high-profile exits.
As Sauber transitions to Audi in 2026, the next few seasons will undoubtedly be filled with shifts and surprises. Red Bull Racing's decision to amplify the roles of its experienced team members and promote from within speaks volumes about the culture and long-term vision of the organization. By broadening the responsibilities of key staff, Red Bull aims to continue its winning momentum and secure future championships.
This forward-thinking strategy highlights Red Bull Racing's commitment to innovation, both on and off the track. By fostering a culture of internal growth and resilience, Red Bull remains poised to maintain its competitive edge in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.