Red Bull F1 announces the departure of a key figure in the 2026 project: are there potential problems ahead for the RB22?
The Red Bull team is losing an important member on the eve of the new season. Just days before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the Milton Keynes-based team officially confirmed the departure of chief designer Craig Skinner, a central figure in the development of the team’s recent dominant cars. This change inevitably raises questions and potential challenges for Red Bull, especially at a time when the team is entering a new technical cycle in Formula 1.
Skinner leaves the team after twenty years of work, a career entirely built within the Red Bull project. The reasons for his departure have not been disclosed, but according to available information, it appears to be a personal decision and not connected to other rumored exits circulating in the paddock in recent days.
Joining Red Bull in 2006 after previous experiences with Jordan and Williams, Skinner began as a CFD specialist before progressively climbing the ranks within the technical department. In 2009 he became group leader, later vice head of aerodynamics, and in 2018 he was appointed head of aerodynamics for the team.
A significant departure for Red Bull’s technical future
The real leap in responsibility came in 2022, when Skinner was promoted to chief designer, becoming one of the main architects of the RB19 in 2023, which became the most successful car in Formula 1 history. For this reason, his departure is a development to monitor closely, especially given the imminent regulatory changes approaching in Formula 1.
At present, there is no information regarding his next destination or who will take over his role within the team. This technical gap could have a medium-term impact, particularly during such a critical phase of car development for the 2026 season.
In its official statement, the team declared: “After 20 years with the team, Craig Skinner, our Chief Designer, will leave Red Bull Technology.” The statement continued: “Craig has been an integral part of our team and its successes, and we wish to thank him for his hard work and dedication.”
The departure of Craig Skinner marks the end of an era for Red Bull’s design office and introduces a layer of uncertainty just as the RB22 prepares for its competitive debut. As the mastermind behind the record-breaking RB19, Skinner’s expertise in aerodynamic efficiency and chassis integration will be difficult to replace overnight, particularly with the 2026 regulations placing such a high premium on “agile” car design. While Red Bull remains a technical powerhouse, losing a twenty-year veteran at this juncture suggests that the internal stability of Milton Keynes is being tested like never before as they transition into their new role as an independent engine manufacturer.
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