Red Bull play high-stakes game with McLaren in battle for strategist
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General
- Ludo van Denderen
A resounding 'No' was given to McLaren and current Red Bull strategist Will Courtenay's request to switch from the Austrians to the reigning constructors' champion as early as mid-2026. In the world of Formula 1, this is remarkable, because usually, the old and new employers come to an agreement to end an ongoing contract early. Now that is happening, Red Bull are playing a high-stakes game with the rejection.
Jonathan Wheatley got some good news this week. The former Red Bull Racing sporting director was given permission to start work as Sauber's team boss as early as April, several months ahead of schedule. But his former colleague Will Courtenay was unlucky. Red Bull will hold the chief strategist to his ongoing contract until mid-2026, and so he was not, as hoped, allowed to switch to McLaren now, where the Briton will eventually become sporting director.
Red Bull already has a successor
Undoubtedly, one of the reasons for Red Bull's decision is that the team does not want to make the competition stronger. After all, Courtenay was the mastermind behind many Grand Prix victories, and McLaren would like to have that knowledge. Still, Red Bull in the person of Hannah Schmitz already has a worthy successor on board, so losing Courtenay need not be a big problem internally.
Along with this, Red Bull may have to deal with a disgruntled employee, as Courtenay asked permission to switch to McLaren earlier for nothing. Everyone probably recognises that the moment you know your future lies with another boss, you subconsciously become less motivated in your current position. Though no one will have to doubt that Courtenay is a professional, who will continue to do his job to the best of his ability.
McLaren will not forget this
If Courtenay was able to complete the transfer, Red Bull might have received a nice financial compensation from McLaren. And - perhaps most importantly - in Formula 1, nothing is forgotten. If Red Bull is being difficult now but then knock on McLaren's door for an employee in a year or so, the chances are the same treatment awaits.
All in all, it is easy to imagine that the last word on the matter has not yet been spoken. No one will be surprised if Will Courtenay does make his appearance at Woking earlier than expected after all. It could be a win-win situation for both McLaren and Red Bull.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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