Red Bull Racing is undergoing significant organizational changes that signal the team’s intent to maintain its dominance in Formula 1. This follows the departure of two high-profile figures and a strategic internal promotion scheme aimed at sustaining the team's winning streak.
Gianpiero Lambiase Takes on Senior Role
A notable development within Red Bull Racing is the elevated role of Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. Renowned for his meticulous approach and pivotal contributions to Verstappen’s success, Lambiase will now serve as the head of racing. This new role signifies both a promotion and an expansion of his responsibilities. Lambiase will continue his pit-wall duties with Verstappen, ensuring the champion driver benefits from continuity and expertise.
In his new capacity, Lambiase will oversee various teams, including race, heritage, and car-build teams. Additionally, he will be involved in strategic group matters and sporting regulations. Reporting directly to Red Bull's technical director Pierre Wache, Lambiase's input will be crucial in steering the team through a transitional period.
Internal Promotions Bolster Team Structure
Lambiase’s promotion is part of a more extensive internal restructuring strategy. Steve Knowles, previously a senior strategy engineer, steps up as acting head of sporting matters, reporting directly to Lambiase. This move underscores Red Bull’s confidence in its existing talent pool.
In complement to Knowles’s new role, Rich Wolverson has been promoted to head of race team operations, tasked with managing the day-to-day activities of the race team. His role is crucial in ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness during race weekends.
Additionally, Gerrard O’Reilly takes on responsibilities as head of race team support and logistics. O’Reilly’s new role involves the seamless coordination of team operations, a vital function as the team navigates logistical challenges across the Formula 1 calendar.
The reshuffle also sees Phil Turner transitioning to the position of race team factory operations manager. Turner will now oversee the back-end factory processes essential to the team’s race day success, further emphasizing Red Bull's strategy to promote from within.
Jonathan Wheatley and Adrian Newey Depart
Jonathan Wheatley, the outgoing sporting director, will leave a significant void. Wheatley, who played an indispensable role in steward interactions and lodging appeals or protests during race weekends, is set to join Sauber as team principal in early 2025. Notably, Sauber will transition to Audi in 2026, marking a new chapter in Wheatley's distinguished career.
Furthermore, the news of Adrian Newey's departure is a substantial loss for Red Bull Racing. As one of the most innovative minds in Formula 1 engineering, Newey's contributions have been instrumental in Red Bull's recent triumphs. His move to Aston Martin just ahead of the 2025 season represents a shift that will undoubtedly impact Red Bull's technical development.
Red Bull Racing's Continued Dominance
Despite these departures, Red Bull Racing remains resolute in its mission to sustain its winning momentum. With three consecutive drivers' championships and two successive constructors' championships, the team has set a high standard. The recent promotions and restructuring are part of a strategic initiative to ensure that the team remains at the pinnacle of the sport.
By not appointing a direct replacement for Wheatley, Red Bull Racing demonstrates a commitment to leveraging internal talent and fostering an environment of growth and broadening responsibilities among its experienced staff. This approach highlights the team's confidence in its personnel and their ability to adapt and thrive under new pressures.
As Red Bull Racing prepares for the future, these organizational changes are pivotal. The seamless transitions and newly defined roles are designed to preserve the team’s competitive edge. With skilled individuals like Lambiase, Knowles, Wolverson, O'Reilly, and Turner at the helm, Red Bull Racing is well-positioned to navigate the upcoming seasons while maintaining its status as a powerhouse in Formula 1.