McLaren Strengthens 2026 Ambitions with Early Capture of Red Bull Strategy Architect
McLaren has made a decisive move in the Formula One paddock by accelerating the arrival of long-time Red Bull strategist Will Courtenay, a hire that signals serious intent as the sport edges closer to its transformative 2026 regulations.
Courtenay, who spent more than 20 years inside Red Bull’s operations and 15 of those overseeing race strategy, has officially taken up his new role as McLaren’s sporting director earlier than originally expected. His premature release from Red Bull marks a subtle but significant shift in the competitive landscape, particularly as teams prepare for the most radical rule change in a generation.
The strategist’s move to Woking was first confirmed in September 2024, with the understanding that he would remain at Red Bull until mid-2026. However, McLaren has now secured his services well ahead of schedule, allowing Courtenay to play an active role in shaping the team’s operational approach during a critical planning phase.
Courtenay’s career has been deeply intertwined with Red Bull’s rise. He joined the Milton Keynes outfit at its inception in 2005 and became head of race strategy in 2010, playing a central role in multiple championship campaigns across different technical eras. His departure therefore represents the loss of one of Red Bull’s longest-serving and most influential figures.
Speaking after officially starting his new role, Courtenay expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead while paying tribute to his former team.
“After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, including 15 as head of race strategy, I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together,” he said. “I made lifelong friendships and shared some unforgettable moments. Now, I’m excited to begin a new chapter with McLaren Racing and contribute to the team’s continued upward trajectory.”
At McLaren, Courtenay will report to racing director Randeep Singh and work closely with team principal Andrea Stella. His responsibilities will span sporting governance, race operations, FIA engagement, and the strategic decision-making that often defines outcomes on race day.
Stella described the appointment as a crucial step in McLaren’s evolution from contender to consistent championship threat.
“Will brings an exceptional level of experience, composure, and competitive insight,” Stella said. “As we enter a defining phase for the team, his leadership will be invaluable in strengthening our sporting structure and sharpening execution at the track.”
The timing of Courtenay’s arrival is particularly notable. With 2026 looming, teams are already aligning their technical and operational frameworks to suit the incoming power unit and chassis regulations. Having a strategist of Courtenay’s pedigree embedded early gives McLaren a valuable advantage in aligning race operations with long-term performance goals.
His early release also suggests a negotiated agreement between the two teams — a common practice when senior figures move between rival organisations. While neither side has detailed the terms, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko previously acknowledged that McLaren’s offer presented a more compelling opportunity, both in terms of responsibility and compensation.
“What we proposed was not what Will was looking for,” Marko said at the time. “He was offered a sporting director role at McLaren, which came with greater scope and financial appeal.”
Courtenay’s exit continues a period of transition for Red Bull that began in late 2024. The team has already seen sporting director Jonathan Wheatley depart for Sauber ahead of Audi’s factory entry, while legendary designer Adrian Newey left to join Aston Martin as managing technical partner and later team principal.
Red Bull has yet to confirm who will replace Courtenay, though Marko has suggested that senior strategy engineer Hannah Schmitz is the most logical internal candidate — a move that would maintain continuity within the race operations group.
For McLaren, the appointment fits neatly into a broader philosophy that prioritises operational excellence alongside technical development. Under Stella’s leadership, the team has methodically rebuilt its processes, invested in people, and re-established itself as a regular front-runner.
Installing a career strategist as sporting director underscores McLaren’s belief that races — and championships — are increasingly won on execution, communication, and split-second judgement as much as outright car performance.
While Red Bull remains confident in its ability to absorb high-profile departures and promote from within, Courtenay’s move is another reminder that success inevitably attracts attention. Both teams may feel comfortable with the outcome on paper, but Formula One rarely delivers immediate answers.
Ultimately, Courtenay’s impact will be measured not in press releases, but on Sundays — in pit-wall calls, safety-car gambles, and the fine margins that decide whether a race ends in silverware or regret. And few in the paddock understand those margins better than the man now wearing papaya.
