Max Verstappen suffers major Red Bull blow with three key departures

Max Verstappen is to lose three of his senior Red Bull mechanics for 2026 in a major shake-up for the current world champion. 

Of his core of four engineers, only race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to stay with Verstappen for 2026, as his performance, engine and control engineers are all set to depart - two to F1 rivals. 

Dutch publication de Telegraaf reports that Michael Manning's departure as control engineer was already known from the end of 2025, but that Tom Hart (performance) and David Mart (engine) are set for pastures new.

Mart is to join Audi's first works attack in F1 from 2026, whilst Hart is to take up a more senior position with Williams.

There have been huge changes at Red Bull since the start of 2024, with the likes of Christian Horner, Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley leaving as team principal, chief technical officer and sporting director, respectively. 

Chief mechanic Lee Stevenson joined Stake ahead of it becoming Audi for 2026.