As of: April 3, 2024, 5:16 a.m
By: Hannes Niemeyer
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Audi is preparing to enter Formula 1 in 2026. The team will probably make a prominent new signing. Red Bull is probably less happy about this.
Suzuka – Is the big wave of migration starting now at Red Bull? The top team in Formula 1 is struggling with a lot of internal trouble. The power struggle between Christian Horner, around whom there was a lot of trouble at the start of the season, and Dr. Helmut Marko is far from settled. There is also speculation that serial world champion Max Verstappen will change teams as a result.
There are a lot of rumors about the Dutchman. Mercedes is considered the most prominent team for a possible change. But recently there was a rumor that Aston Martin could also try its luck. Owner Lawrence Stroll's team is said to be hoping to lure Verstappen to them by making an offer to another prominent name. While these are initially just rumors with an open outcome, a departure from Red Bull is already certain - in the middle of the season.
Coup for Audi before entry into Formula 1 – prominent name leaves Red Bull
As it became known around Easter, Lee Stevenson is leaving the Brause team and moving within Formula 1. He announced his departure himself via Instagram. A bitter setback for Verstappen's Red Bull team. Stevenson is considered one of the guarantors of success in the team's Formula 1 history. He had been at Red Bull since 2006 and worked as chief mechanic in the team for many years.
Now, after 18 years and numerous world championship titles in the era of success with Sebastian Vettel, who recently spoke about a return to motorsport, and most recently with Verstappen, Stevenson is leaving the team. And that in the middle of the season.
Audi coup? Red Bull mastermind Stevenson (l.) is supposed to move there - to Verstappen's chagrin. © IMAGO / Motorsport Images + IMAGO / Michael Potts
Stevenson's new task seems to be clear. For the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, he himself announced that he would take on a new task with a “team at the other end of the pit lane”. Several British media and other specialist portals unanimously report that it is Sauber. A step backwards? After all, the racing team did not get off to a good start in the 2024 season. But one factor makes the change particularly exciting.
Chief mechanic leaves Red Bull – he achieved a small miracle in 2020
The Sauber team will be completely taken over by the German car manufacturer Audi for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This means that the restructuring and realignment of the team is making further progress for a strong entry under a new flag. And Audi pulls off a real coup. Not just because Stevenson is a prominent name throughout the pit lane. Also because he has a certain reputation.
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His mini-miracle from the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2020 remains legendary. Verstappen damaged his wheel suspension on the way to the starting grid. Stevenson and his team changed the entire suspension of the affected front wheel before the start of the race. Verstappen was still able to start and rewarded his team with a second place in the race.
Scuderia Ferrari also recently achieved a real coup. The team announced Lewis Hamilton's move for the coming season. A Formula 1 expert recently recognized Hamilton's great weakness.
(han)