Former Red Bull strategy chief officially starts work as Sporting Director in Woking.

McLaren will enter the 2026 Formula 1 season with a significant addition to its senior management structure. Will Courtenay, one of the most influential figures on Red Bull’s pit wall over the past two decades, has officially begun his role as McLaren’s Sporting Director, following an early release from the Milton Keynes-based team.

Courtenay has been part of Red Bull since their very first Formula 1 season in 2005, when the operation was still competing under the Jaguar identity. Over time, he rose steadily through the ranks, eventually becoming Head of Race Strategy, a role in which he played a key part in multiple championship-winning campaigns.

McLaren secured Courtenay’s services in a deal originally announced in September 2024, a move seen internally as a major step toward strengthening sporting operations and decision-making during a crucial phase of the team’s development.

At the time, Team Principal Andrea Stella highlighted the importance of the appointment:
“His experience, professionalism, and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function.”
“We are now entering a key phase in our journey as a team, and we are confident that he will be a great addition to our strong leadership group as we continue to challenge for wins and championships.”

While Red Bull had initially stated that Courtenay would remain with the team until mid-2026, his release was brought forward to the start of this year, allowing him to transition immediately into his new role at McLaren.

For several seasons, Courtenay was a constant presence on Red Bull’s pit wall, directly involved in race-defining calls, strategic decisions, and title-contending moments throughout the modern era of the team.

Courtenay confirmed the move via his professional channels:
“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Sporting Director at McLaren Racing.”
“After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, the last 15 as Head of Race Strategy, I’m excited to embark on a new challenge with the McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team.”

He also paid tribute to his former colleagues:
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone I worked with at Red Bull. I made so many great friends and hope to see many of you around the paddock. It was an incredible two decades and more.”

Looking ahead, Courtenay made his objectives clear:
“Now I’m looking forward to settling into my new role and team, and doing everything I can to help McLaren continue its recent success in the years to come.”

At McLaren, Courtenay will reunite with Rob Marshall, a former Red Bull colleague who joined the Woking-based squad as design chief at the start of 2024. A reunion that underlines McLaren’s intent to build a strong, experienced foundation for the next era of Formula 1.

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