Senior Verstappen mechanic Ole Schack to depart Red Bull after historic tenure

Ole Schack, a cornerstone of Max Verstappen's pit crew and a Red Bull Racing original, is set to leave the team after nearly two decades of perfect attendance. His departure is linked to significant internal changes following Christian Horner's exit and marks a continued exodus of long-serving personnel from the Milton Keynes squad during a period of on-track struggle.

Why it matters:

Schack's exit is symbolic of the profound cultural shift within Red Bull Racing. As the only trackside employee to have attended every Grand Prix since the team's 2005 debut, his decision to seek a "new challenge" underscores a changing environment that is prompting veteran staff to move on. This brain drain coincides with the team's competitive decline, creating a pivotal moment for its future identity and performance.

The details:

• Historic Tenure: Ole Schack joined on Red Bull's very first day after purchasing Jaguar and has not missed a single race since the 2005 Australian Grand Prix, sharing a perfect attendance record only with former boss Christian Horner.
• Reason for Departure: Sources indicate Schack cited a change in atmosphere and working environment post-Horner as a key factor in his decision to leave, with negotiations ongoing regarding an early release from his notice period.
• Broader Exodus: Schack is not an isolated case. He follows other key departures including:
  • Chief designer Craig Skinner.
  • Verstappen's mechanic Matt Caller (to Audi).
  • Verstappen's mechanic Jon Caller (resigned).
  • Senior administrative staff in HR, partnerships, marketing, and communications who left in February.
• A Podium Moment: In a notable 2012 gesture, Horner nominated Schack to collect the constructor's trophy in Singapore, recognizing his dedication after his father's passing earlier that season.

The big picture:

Schack's pending departure is another thread pulled from the fabric of the Horner and Dietrich Mateschitz era. Since Horner's dismissal and the subsequent exit of long-time advisor Helmut Marko, the team's leadership and culture have been reshaped under CEO Oliver Mintzlaff and new team principal Laurent Mekies. This structural overhaul, combined with the RB22 car's lack of pace, has reportedly led to dipping morale at the factory as Red Bull battles in the midfield.

What's next:

Red Bull faces the dual challenge of stabilizing its internal organization and solving its performance issues on track. Replacing institutional knowledge like Schack's while simultaneously developing a more competitive car will test the new leadership structure. For Schack, a veteran with unparalleled experience, his next move will be closely watched as teams value such proven, race-by-race expertise.