Verstappen loses long-standing trusted Red Bull ally

Max Verstappen’s trusted right-hand man on race weekends, Red Bull Racing chief mechanic Lee Stevenson, has left the team after a stellar 18-year career with the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Stevenson, who started as a number two mechanic with RBR in 2006, steadily rose through the ranks to become the team’s number one mechanic in 2014.

The Briton started working alongside Verstappen upon the latter’s promotion to Formula 1 in 2016, and was eventually handed the title of chief mechanic to the three-time world champion in 2023.

However, Stevenson - whose departure from Red Bull was agreed in 2023 - has decided to embark on a new challenge.

The details remain undisclosed, but he hinted at a new position with a rival team "at the other end of the pit lane” that he will join as early as next week in Japan.

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An emotional Stevenson took to Instagram to bid farewell to Red Bull in a short video from the team's MK-7 unit  at Milton Keynes surrounded by the various cars he helped run and maintain over the years.

“I just thought I’d hop on here, just to let you all know that you won’t be seeing any more posts from me from Red Bull because today’s my last day!” he said.

“It’s been an amazing 18 years and all the things that I’ve managed to achieve here with the team, it’s just been absolutely incredible.

“Working on the first car, the RB2, all the way through to the RB16B and obviously the RB19.

“It has been an incredible journey. I just want to say thanks to everyone here. It’s been an amazing time that I’ve had here.

“In 2006, when I started, I never thought we’d win races, get poles, or win championships, but we’ve managed to do all of that and it’s just been amazing.

“So yeah, on to the next chapter. That chapter starts on Monday when I fly to Japan, and start work with my new team at the other end of the pit lane.

“It’s gonna be a massive challenge, but it’s one that I’m ready for!”

Red Bull has yet to announce Stevenson’s successor as chief mechanic to the team’s #1 car.

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