Former Red Bull strategy chief Courtenay starts work at McLaren

Will Courtenay has started his new role as McLaren’s Sporting Director in the build-up to the 2026 season, following an early release from Red Bull.

Courtenay represented Red Bull from their first F1 season back in 2005, having joined the Milton Keynes-based operation under the previous Jaguar guise.

He rose through the ranks to Head of Race Strategy, before McLaren secured his services in a deal originally announced back in September 2024.

“His experience, professionalism and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function,” said McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella at the time.

“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 team as we strive to continue challenging for wins and championships.”

Red Bull subsequently stated that Courtenay remained part of their team and would “see out his contract until mid-2026”, but his release has been brought forward to the start of this year.

“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Sporting Director at McLaren Racing!” Courtenay confirmed on his LinkedIn profile.

“After 22 years at Red Bull Racing, the last 15 as Head of Race Strategy there, I’m excited to say I’m now embarking on a new challenge, joining the McLaren Racing Formula 1 Team as Sporting Director.

“I’d like to say a huge thanks to everyone I worked with at Red Bull. I made so many great friends there and I hope I’ll still see many of you in the paddock. It was an incredible two and a bit decades.

“But now I’m looking forward to settling into my new role and team, and hopefully making plenty more new friends, as I do my very best to help McLaren continue its recent success in the coming years.”

Courtenay will reunite with former Red Bull colleague Rob Marshall at McLaren – the latter having joined the Woking-based team as design chief at the start of 2024.