McLaren F1 add Will Courtenay from Red Bull as their next Sporting Director

On Sunday night in Singapore, Lando Norris took the checkered flag for his third win of the Formula 1 season, capturing the Singapore Grand Prix. With Oscar Piastri joining him on the podium, McLaren extended their lead over Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship to 41 points.

Tuesday, the team announced another move involving Red Bull, with the news that Will Courtenay, after over 20 years with Red Bull and their current Head of Race Strategy, is joining McLaren as their next Sporting Director.

In the team’s announcement, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella praised Courtenay’s “experience, professionalism and passion,” and noted that the team is entering a “key phase” in their F1 journey.

“We are delighted to welcome Will to McLaren. His experience, professionalism and passion for motorsport make him the ideal candidate to lead our F1 sporting function,” said Stella. “We are now entering a key phase in our journey as a team, and we are confident that he will be a great addition to our strong leadership team as we strive to continue challenging for wins and championships.”

While Red Bull has yet to comment on the move, a source with the team told Andrew Benson of BBC Sport that Courtenay will remain with Red Bull for a while longer. “Will continues to be part of the team, seeing out his contract until mid-2026,” the source said to Benson.

Courtenay is the latest key figure to depart Red Bull this season, joining Jonathan Wheatley, who is leaving his role as the team’s current Sporting Director to become the Team Principal at the new Audi F1 project, as well as legendary designer Adrian Newey, who is joining Aston Martin as their new Managing Technical Partner, as well as a shareholder, next year.