Longtime Verstappen Red Bull engineer moves to Williams

One of the longest-serving members of Max Verstappen's championship-winning inner circle has officially turned the page on a remarkable Red Bull career.

Michael Manning, who spent well over a decade with the Milton Keynes outfit and played a pivotal role in Verstappen's Formula 1 success, has confirmed he has joined Williams as the team's new Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering, marking another notable shift in the competitive landscape as the Grove-based squad continues its ambitious rebuild.

Manning was a familiar figure behind the scenes during Red Bull's era of dominance. Serving as Verstappen's controls engineer, he was responsible for overseeing the Dutchman's race starts and became one of the trusted engineers at the heart of the team's operations during its run of championship triumphs.

After joining Red Bull at the beginning of 2011, Manning remained with the team until last year before deciding it was time to embrace a fresh opportunity elsewhere.

A fresh challenge at an iconic Formula 1 team

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Manning explained that Williams' rich history and bold vision for the future convinced him to begin the next stage of his Formula 1 career.

“I’m delighted to share that I’ve begun a new challenge as Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering.

“Williams’ engineering heritage is among the most storied in Formula 1. With nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles to its name, it remains one of the sport’s truly iconic teams.

“However, it is the ambition for the future that drew me to this role. There is a genuine hunger at Grove to return to the sharp end of the grid, and I am looking forward to ensuring the outstanding work at the factory translates into clinical execution at the circuit.

“Joining at such a significant point in the team’s journey, particularly as we approach Williams’ 50th anniversary, makes this opportunity even more meaningful.”

The appointment comes as Williams continues its long-term push to re-establish itself among Formula 1's frontrunners, with the team steadily strengthening both its technical department and leadership structure.

Familiar faces await at Grove

Manning's arrival also reunites him with drivers he knows well from earlier stages of their careers.

Williams' current line-up features Alex Albon, who raced for Red Bull before joining the Grove outfit, while Carlos Sainz also has strong ties to the Red Bull programme after progressing through its junior ranks and competing for Toro Rosso earlier in his Formula 1 career.

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Reflecting on those reunions, Manning added:

“It’s a real highlight to be working alongside Carlos and Alex again, having crossed paths with both earlier in our careers,” said the Briton.

“I am eager to get started and contribute to the next chapter of this legendary team.”

For Williams, securing an engineer with Manning's experience represents another statement of intent as the team seeks to convert its growing momentum into consistent on-track success.

And for Manning, the move closes the curtain on a lengthy spell helping shape one of Formula 1's most dominant eras while opening an intriguing new chapter with one of the sport's most historic names.

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