Audi has secured another major signing from Red Bull, as Jonathan Wheatley continues to build his new Formula 1 team for 2026. Matt Caller, Max Verstappen’s chief mechanic, will join the German manufacturer as head mechanic, marking another key move in Audi’s growing technical lineup.
A major move in the F1 job market
In recent months, much has been written about how the budget cap has intensified the Formula 1 personnel market. Many skilled but lesser-known figures within top teams have been approached by other constructors offering better financial and career opportunities in an effort to reshape their technical structures. Red Bull itself had previously cited this phenomenon to explain the wave of departures from Milton Keynes, despite the team’s dominance and four consecutive Drivers’ Championships.
One of those who left Red Bull earlier this year, Jonathan Wheatley — now team principal of Sauber, which will become Audi in 2026 — has once again returned to his former team to recruit key talent. After previously securing Lee Stevenson, who long served as Max Verstappen’s chief mechanic, Wheatley has now convinced another key figure to make the switch: Matt Caller, Verstappen’s first mechanic.
Who is Matt Caller
Matt Caller joined Red Bull in 2015 and has played an important role within the race team ever since. Over the years, he has worked as both second and first mechanic — taking over the latter position in 2022 for Max Verstappen’s car. His move to Audi represents a significant career step, as he will become the team’s new head mechanic.
Meanwhile, Lee Stevenson, who was also recruited from Red Bull, is expected to take on an even more senior position within Audi’s technical organization as the team continues to prepare for its official entry into Formula 1 in 2026. The addition of these experienced figures from Red Bull further highlights Audi’s determination to enter the championship as a serious contender right from the start.
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