Former Max Verstappen engineer reunites with old Red Bull team-mates at Williams

Michael Manning, previously one of the longest-serving engineers within Max Verstappen's inner circle at Red Bull, has officially started a new role at Williams.

Manning spent the better part of 15 years at Red Bull, having joined the Austrian outfit in January 2011.

As control engineer, he was responsible for some of the most critical processes surrounding the four-time F1 drivers' champion's car, most notably the start procedure.

That included overseeing the correct functioning of the clutch and all elements of the launch sequence, a role that placed him at the heart of Red Bull's championship-winning machinery across seven constructors' titles.

He stepped back from his role at the end of 2024 and stayed with the team through to the end of last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after which he made his exit.

Performance engineer Tom Hart also followed a similar path, departing for Williams around the same time.

Manning has now confirmed his new position via LinkedIn, where he will serve as Chief Engineer, Trackside Engineering.

In his LinkedIn post, Manning expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead at the Grove-based outfit.

I’m delighted to share that I’ve begun a new challenge as Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering," Manning wrote.

"Williams’ engineering heritage is among the most storied in Formula 1. With nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles to its name, it remains one of the sport’s truly iconic teams.

"However, it is the ambition for the future that drew me to this role. There is a genuine hunger at Grove to return to the sharp end of the grid, and I am looking forward to ensuring the outstanding work at the factory translates into clinical execution at the circuit.

"Joining at such a significant point in the team’s journey, particularly as we approach Williams’ 50th anniversary, makes this opportunity even more meaningful."

Manning also highlighted the personal dimension of the move, with both Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon sharing a Red Bull connection with him from earlier in their careers.

It’s a real highlight to be working alongside Carlos and Alex again, having crossed paths with both earlier in our careers," he added. "I am eager to get started and contribute to the next chapter of this legendary team."