Red Bull Racing is undergoing significant internal restructuring as it prepares for the future following the news that Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will take on a more senior role within the team. This move comes in the wake of Jonathan Wheatley's departure, with the outgoing Sporting Director set to join Sauber as team principal in early 2025.
Key Promotions to Ensure Continued Success
In an effort to maintain its winning momentum, Red Bull Racing has chosen not to appoint a direct replacement for Wheatley's role. Instead, the team is promoting several key figures from within its ranks. Gianpiero Lambiase will transition from head of race engineering to the newly created role of head of racing. Despite this promotion, Lambiase will continue his critical duties on the pit wall, supporting Max Verstappen.
Lambiase's new responsibilities will be expansive. He will oversee the race, heritage, and car-build teams, handle matters related to the strategy group and sporting regulations, and report directly to Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Wache. His dual role aims to streamline operations and ensure that Red Bull Racing remains competitive on all fronts.
Strategic Roles Strengthened from Within
Steve Knowles, previously a senior strategy engineer, has been appointed as the acting head of sporting matters, with a direct reporting line to Lambiase. This internal promotion is indicative of Red Bull's strategy to strengthen its team by relying on experienced staff familiar with the team's culture and operations.
Rich Wolverson has been promoted to head of race team operations, where he will manage the day-to-day activities of the race team. At the same time, Gerrard O'Reilly has taken on the role of head of race team support and logistics, ensuring the seamless coordination of team operations. Chief Mechanic Phil Turner will transition to race team factory operations manager, overseeing crucial back-end factory processes that are vital to race day success.
Navigating Departures and New Beginnings
The restructuring comes as a double-edged sword for Red Bull Racing, with the departure of Adrian Newey to Aston Martin just ahead of the 2025 season marking a significant loss. Newey has been a pivotal figure in Red Bull's engineering successes, and his departure signals a new chapter for both him and the team.
Jonathan Wheatley's move to Sauber will see him take on the role of team principal as Sauber transitions to Audi in 2026. Wheatley's experience and expertise, particularly his role in steward interactions and lodging appeals during race weekends, will be a valuable asset to his new team.
Sustaining Championship-Winning Culture
Despite these significant changes, Red Bull Racing aims to sustain its championship-winning culture. The team has secured three consecutive drivers' championships and two successive constructors' championships, a testament to its well-oiled machine of talent and strategy. By promoting from within, Red Bull demonstrates faith in its established personnel to carry forward its legacy of success.
The adjustments within Red Bull Racing are crafted not only to fill the void left by departing figures but also to strengthen existing structures that have propelled the team to its current heights. This approach ensures a smooth transition and underscores the importance of continuity in their high-caliber performance.
As Red Bull Racing prepares for the challenges ahead, the promotion of Gianpiero Lambiase, supported by key figures like Steve Knowles, Rich Wolverson, Gerrard O'Reilly, and Phil Turner, forms a strategic blueprint aimed at securing future triumphs. With these internal adjustments, the team hopes to keep its competitive edge and continue its winning tradition on the racing circuit.