Key Verstappen mechanic set to leave Red Bull amid team uncertainty

Long-serving Red Bull mechanic Ole Schack, a trusted figure in Max Verstappen's garage, has reportedly resigned, marking another departure from the reigning champion's inner circle. This comes as the team grapples with a difficult start to the 2026 season and ongoing internal changes following the exits of other senior personnel.

Why it matters:

The potential loss of a key, long-term team member directly linked to Verstappen's success adds another layer of instability at a critical time. For a driver weighing his future amid the team's performance struggles, the erosion of trusted relationships in his immediate working environment could influence his long-term commitment, impacting Red Bull's ability to rebound.

The details:

• Ole Schack, a mechanic with the team since its Jaguar days in 2005, has handed in his resignation. He has been a fixture on Verstappen's side of the garage throughout the driver's four championship-winning seasons.
• His reported departure follows a series of other high-profile exits, including advisor Helmut Marko, former team principal Christian Horner, and other senior figures like Craig Skinner and lead mechanic Matt Caller.
• The team's on-track performance has sharply declined in 2026, with the new RB22 car suffering from balance issues. Red Bull currently sits sixth in the constructors' championship after three races.
• Verstappen has only scored 12 points, placing him ninth in the drivers' standings—a stark contrast to his recent dominance.

What's next:

Red Bull now faces the dual challenge of stabilizing its internal structure and solving its car's performance problems to prevent a further downward spiral.

• All eyes will be on how the team adapts to this latest change and whether it can restore the confidence and cohesion necessary to climb back up the grid.
• The situation also places a spotlight on Verstappen's patience and his assessment of the team's direction, making his future a central storyline for the remainder of the season.