Red Bull react to exit of latest high-profile team member

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has shared his reaction to the news that chief engineer Paul Monaghan is set to leave the squad.

RacingNews365 exclusively revealed that Monaghan will depart Red Bull for a senior role with grid newcomer Cadillac.

It marks the latest high-profile exit from the team’s championship-winning structure.

Earlier this year, Red Bull confirmed that Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team to join McLaren in 2028.

While Mekies had plenty to say on that particular matter, he remained tight-lipped when asked about Monaghan’s situation.

“There are a lot of rumours about the team and the team personnel,” Mekies told media including RacingNews365.

“As much as we have commented on 'GP', because he's one of our very exposed engineers, and is going into an even more exposed role, I don't think it will be right for me to comment on every single rumour that comes out. 

“If I look at the names that have been circulating in the last few months, most of them are still in the garage, some had never wanted to leave.

“Some have changed their minds and are staying with us, so I don't think it will be fair for our people through the ranks that I start commenting about these guys. 

“Paul is actually here today, he has been working very hard to get our cars out this morning.

“We also made very clear there is nothing more important to us than making sure we are in a position to keep our talents and to attract the ones we need.

“That remains the highest priority”

Some have speculated about what Monaghan’s departure could mean for Verstappen, with several other key figures behind his championship success - including Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley and Helmut Marko - also leaving Red Bull in recent times.

Despite the series of high-profile exits, Mekies asserted that Verstappen still has faith in the Red Bull project.

“As for Max, Max wants a fast car, always wanted a fast car, and he completely trusts us in making sure we are doing everything we can, short-term and long-term, to ensure a return to success and continuous success.”