Red Bull’s Will Courtenay decision proves that Laurent Mekies wasn’t lying about ‘respectful’ approach

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As Red Bull enters a new era, the team has a new feel about it. Under Laurent Mekies’ leadership, they’re headed in a different direction.

Gone are the days when they treated rivals as though they were enemies both on and off the track. The new management has a different approach, and Mekies is here to enforce it.

So many key figures have departed Milton Keynes over the last few seasons, and Will Courtenay, formerly their Head of Strategy, is the latest to move on.

Red Bull renegotiated with McLaren and have permitted him to join earlier than expected, ahead of the expiration of his old contract. Under Christian Horner, that wasn’t allowed to happen.

A lot has changed at Red Bull since 2023 – should we be worried about them?

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Red Bull may feel the effects of a brain drain, having lost so many key figures, but it all depends on how well they have replaced them. In some cases, the experience lost will not be recovered.

Gianpiero Lambiase staying is vital for Verstappen, who gets to retain a crucial piece of his armoury for the next 12 months. It could be vital in any title charge.

READ MORE: Red Bull are ‘convinced’ of one thing about Max Verstappen’s 2026 F1 car ahead of pre-season testing

Will Courtenay’s early McLaren release proves Red Bull are coming good on ‘respectful’ approach

F1 fans think Verstappen can win the 2026 title, but there are no guarantees of a positive outcome. His team are making their own engines for the first time ever, and that’s a significant challenge.

Red Bull will miss the ‘very helpful’ Helmut Marko, too. One of the more behind-the-scenes misses will be Courtenay, who has led their strategy department since 2010.

Letting him join McLaren to be their Sporting Director earlier than expected does align with what team boss Mekies said at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

He has promised a friendlier approach from his team in the future, and his remarks that they will be more ‘respectful’ are now being reflected in his actions.

“When it comes to sporting fairness and respecting the competition, we think we can do both: being on the very limit and being respectful to the competition,” he told Autosport.

“Sport is a battle between giants, and we feel very strongly in that fight, and we respect our competitors.”

READ MORE: What Max Verstappen is constantly saying off the record about his future at Red Bull

Why Red Bull’s strategy will remain in good hands during the 2026 F1 season

Although losing Courtenay is a slight dent to their operation, the lady potentially stepping up to replace him has proven herself to be very capable in recent years.

Hannah Schmitz is Red Bull’s Principal Strategy Engineer and has led the team in Courtenay’s absence before.

She has been in her current post since 2021, but actually joined the team late in 2009. Her 17 years of service and knowledge within the team make her the perfect candidate.

Red Bull should be able to fill any gaps left in their team over the coming months and still be in good shape for the first race in Australia. It’s still going to be a testing period for them, though.