P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s hopes of getting hold of Red Bull’s strategy chief Will Courtenay early have faded, with the veteran to remain on the pitwall for his current team throughout the 2025 F1 season
McLaren’s plan to secure Red Bull’s strategy chief Will Courtenay early for the 2025 Formula 1 season has been dashed, as Courtenay will fulfill his current contract with Red Bull until mid-2026. Although McLaren announced Courtenay as their new sporting director last September, negotiations for his early release from Red Bull did not succeed. As a result, Courtenay will continue as head of strategy for Red Bull in the upcoming season, working alongside fellow strategist Hannah Schmitz. Despite McLaren’s efforts to expedite Courtenay’s transfer, Red Bull intends for him to see out his contract, presenting an opportunity for Schmitz’s advancement within the team. McLaren has adapted its pitwall reporting structure for the season, with Oli Cartlidge taking on an expanded role to support racing director Randeep Singh, allowing for a more streamlined focus on race strategy and operations. Red Bull’s decision to retain departing staff members until the end of their contracts, as seen with Courtenay and previously with Jonathan Wheatley, showcases the team’s approach of maintaining talent within the organization.
