Exclusive: Red Bull chief engineer Paul Monaghan to leave for Cadillac

Paul Monaghan, Red Bull Racing's long-serving chief engineer, is set to leave the Milton Keynes squad to join Cadillac's new Formula 1 team in a senior engineering leadership role. Having joined Red Bull in 2005 and helped spearhead every championship campaign since, Monaghan's departure marks the end of an era for one of the last senior figures from the team's dominant period.

Why it matters:

Monaghan's exit represents a significant brain drain for Red Bull as it navigates a crucial transition. As one of the last senior figures tied to the team's championship-winning era, his move strips Red Bull of decades of institutional knowledge just as Cadillac prepares to enter the sport. His decision also signals the American manufacturer's aggressive recruitment strategy, prioritizing proven championship leadership.

The details:

• RacingNews365 confirmed through multiple paddock sources that Monaghan, 58, intends to leave Red Bull after two decades.
• The Briton reportedly received an offer from Aston Martin for a similar senior role before choosing Cadillac.
• Monaghan began his F1 career at McLaren in 1990 before moving to Benetton/Renault at Enstone, where he served as Fernando Alonso's race engineer during the Spaniard's maiden victory at the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix.
• He joined Red Bull in 2005 after a brief spell at Jordan, contributing to all of the team's championship successes.
• Due to his seniority, Monaghan is expected to serve lengthy gardening leave, likely preventing him from starting at Cadillac until mid-to-late 2027 even if he departs after the 2026 season.

What's next:

While Monaghan remains in his post for now, the formal exit process is expected to begin in the coming months as Cadillac builds its technical structure. His eventual arrival provides the American brand with winning experience, while Red Bull faces the challenge of filling a massive void in its engineering leadership.