Red Bull reshuffles key staff ahead of 2026 season

Red Bull Racing has undergone a significant behind-the-scenes staff overhaul, with several senior administrative and commercial personnel departing the team. The changes follow last year's dismissal of long-time team principal Christian Horner and appear to be part of a broader restructuring as the team prepares for the 2026 regulation changes.

Why it matters:

Major organizational changes during a period of technical transition can impact team stability and performance. With the 2026 season bringing new power unit and chassis regulations, continuity and clear leadership in all departments are crucial. This reshuffle suggests Red Bull is not only adapting its technical approach but also its corporate structure to meet future challenges, potentially signaling a new era for the team's internal culture and operations.

The details:

• The departures follow the high-profile exit of Team Principal Christian Horner in July 2024 after 20 years with the team.
• Key figures from marketing, communications, and human resources have left, indicating a clean sweep in non-technical senior leadership.
• Senior Exits: Joanna Fleet, the Group Human Resources Director with 13 years at Red Bull, has departed. She oversaw HR strategy during the team's most successful periods.
• Commercial and Communications Shake-up: Director of Partnerships Julia George, Group Marketing Director Simon Smith-Wright, and Senior Communications Manager Alice Hedworth, who handled Sergio Pérez's PR, have also left.
• These moves come after the earlier dismissals of Group Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Oliver Hughes and Group Communications Director Paul Smith, who were closely linked to Horner.

What's next:

The team now faces the dual challenge of integrating new leadership in key support functions while developing a car for the 2026 rules. The success of this restructuring will be measured by the team's ability to maintain its competitive edge and operational smoothness. All eyes will be on how the new management team gels and whether this marks the beginning of a wider cultural shift within the Milton Keynes squad as it enters a new regulatory cycle.