P1racenews AI automatic summary:
It is a move known for quite some time, but an earlier-than-planned deal has been reached.
Will Courtenay has been granted an early release from his Red Bull contract to become the sporting director at McLaren, resolving a prolonged dispute that could have kept him out of action until mid-2026. The announcement was made by the 22-year Red Bull veteran on LinkedIn, marking the end of a highly watched contract standoff initiated by former team principal Christian Horner. Courtenay’s appointment is seen as a significant gain for McLaren, as his vast experience in shaping Red Bull’s race strategy, particularly during their successful periods with Adrian Newey, offers valuable strategic insights for the team. Despite initial reluctance from Red Bull, the agreement for Courtenay’s early departure has now been reached, allowing him to embrace his new role with enthusiasm and gratitude towards his former colleagues. With a message of appreciation for his time at Red Bull and excitement for the future at McLaren, Courtenay is eager to contribute to the team’s continued success in the upcoming F1 seasons.
