Former Red Bull engineer behind Max Verstappen’s starts joins Williams as Chief Engineer. Williams hires former Red Bull senior engineer Michael Manning as Chief Engineer.

Red Bull exodus continues as Max Verstappen’s former start specialist joins Williams as Chief Engineer

The steady flow of high-profile departures from Red Bull has shown no sign of slowing down. Over the past two years, the Milton Keynes-based team has seen a remarkable number of key engineers and technical figures leave for rival Formula 1 outfits, a trend that many believe has contributed to the team’s noticeable decline after its dominant 2023 campaign, when Red Bull won every Grand Prix except one.

The latest prominent name to officially begin a new chapter elsewhere is Michael Manning, one of the engineers who played an important role during Red Bull’s most successful era.

Another key figure leaves Milton Keynes

Manning actually left Red Bull at the end of last season, but only recently completed his mandatory gardening leave before taking up his new position. A graduate of Munster Technological University, he previously worked in Formula 1 with Jordan, Force India and Lotus before joining Red Bull’s Milton Keynes headquarters in January 2011.

During his 15 years with the team, Manning rose to the position of Senior Trackside Control Engineer and also became responsible for overseeing Max Verstappen’s race starts. Given Red Bull’s struggles off the line during the 2026 season, some observers have inevitably wondered whether his departure has played at least a small role in the team’s recent difficulties when the lights go out.

A new chapter begins at Williams

After completing six months of gardening leave, Manning officially began his new role in July. In a post published on LinkedIn, he confirmed that he has joined Williams as Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering, representing a significant step forward in his Formula 1 career.

The move also gives him the opportunity to contribute to the long-term revival of one of Formula 1’s most historic teams. Although Williams enjoyed an encouraging 2025 campaign, the Grove-based outfit has taken a noticeable step backwards in terms of competitiveness during the 2026 season and is looking to rebuild ahead of the future regulatory cycles.

“I’m delighted to announce that I’ve started a new challenge as Chief Engineer at Atlassian Williams F1 Team,” Manning wrote.

“Williams’ engineering heritage is among the most prestigious in Formula 1. With nine Constructors’ World Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships, it remains one of the truly iconic teams in our sport.

“However, it was the ambition for the future that attracted me to this role. There is a tremendous desire at Grove to return to the front of the grid, and I look forward to ensuring that the outstanding work carried out at the factory is translated into flawless execution at the track.

“Joining the team at such a significant point in its journey, especially as Williams approaches its 50th anniversary, makes this opportunity even more meaningful. It’s also a very special moment to be working once again alongside Carlos and Alex, having previously worked with both of them earlier in our careers.

“I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the next chapter of this legendary team.”

Another reminder of Red Bull’s changing landscape

Manning’s arrival at Williams is another example of how Red Bull’s championship-winning technical group has gradually been dispersed across the Formula 1 grid. As several experienced engineers have moved on to rival teams in recent seasons, the technical expertise that once helped build one of the most dominant periods in Formula 1 history is now strengthening Red Bull’s competitors.

For Williams, securing an engineer with extensive championship-winning experience represents another important addition as the team continues its efforts to climb back towards the front of the grid. Meanwhile, Red Bull faces the ongoing challenge of replacing some of the key individuals who helped shape its golden era.