What's Happening?
Will Courtenay, former head of strategy at Red Bull, has started his new role as McLaren's sporting director. Courtenay joined McLaren on January 2, 2026, and reports to McLaren racing director Randy Singh. His move comes as McLaren aims to continue its recent successes in Formula 1. Courtenay's departure from Red Bull is expected to lead to the promotion of Hannah Schmitz to lead their strategy team. The new F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix in March, following pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain.
Why It's Important?
Courtenay's transition to McLaren is a strategic move that could influence the team's performance in the upcoming F1 season. His extensive experience at Red Bull, a leading team in F1, is expected to bring valuable insights
and strategies to McLaren. This change also reflects the dynamic nature of team management in F1, where strategic leadership can significantly impact race outcomes. For McLaren, Courtenay's expertise could be pivotal in maintaining their competitive edge and achieving their goals for the 2026 season.
