P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lee Stevenson, Max Verstappen’s former chief mechanic, has been promoted within Audi.
Lee Stevenson, Max Verstappen’s former chief mechanic at Red Bull, has received a promotion within the Audi F1 team. Stevenson had been with Red Bull for nearly two decades before departing for Sauber in May 2024. He transitioned to Sauber just in time for their rebranding to Audi in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations. As the chief mechanic at Sauber, Stevenson has now assumed the role of Audi’s team manager in preparation for their F1 debut. Joining him is Jonathan Wheatley, another former Red Bull employee, who is now performing team principal duties at Audi, showcasing the team’s strong connection to Red Bull. Audi will unveil their 2026 livery later this month on January 20 and their car will hit the track for the first time this Friday at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, featuring their own power unit. The team has already achieved a significant milestone with the successful firing of their engine in December, setting their sights on becoming championship contenders by the 2030 season.
