McLaren has been frustrated in its attempt to secure an early release from Red Bull of its new sporting director. It was announced in 2024 that Will Courtenay was set to move to Woking to assume the sporting director role, having previously served as head of strategy for the Milton Keynes-based team. However, he was not set to move until mid-2026 until after the expiration of his contract. It is common-place for F1 teams to negotiate early releases for personnel changes, as evidenced by Red Bull agreeing to let its out-going sporting director Jonathan Wheatley start as Sauber team principal months early on April 1st, 2025 instead of this summer. McLaren had hoped to secure a similar-style arrangement with Red Bull, but its hopes have been rebuffed, with Courtenay set to see out the remainder of his Red Bull contract. It means he will not start at the team until mid-2026. When he does leave, it is expected Hannah Schmitz, as Courtenay's deputy will be promoted to head of race strategy.
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