Max Verstappen engineer informs Red Bull of his intention to leave his role in 2026. Irish engineer Michael Manning is one of Max Verstappen's four permanent engineers.

One of Max Verstappen’s four trusted men
From Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay moving to McLaren, to Adrian Newey heading to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley joining Audi-Sauber, Red Bull has recently seen multiple departures of both high-profile and lesser-known figures.

Among the latter is Michael Manning, Max Verstappen’s engineer, who has informed Red Bull of his intention to leave his role in 2026, stating he feels “ready for a different professional position,” according to reports from the Dutch outlet *De Telegraaf.* Manning may be reassigned within the team.

Who is Michael Manning
Irish engineer Michael Manning is one of Max Verstappen’s four permanent engineers (alongside Gianpiero Lambiase, David Mart, and Tom Hart). Specifically, he is responsible for managing the reigning champion’s race starts. Michael Manning brings extensive experience in Formula 1, having begun his career with Jordan in 2005 and subsequently working with Midland, Force India, and Lotus before joining Red Bull in January 2011 as a control engineer.

Next season, Michael Manning is expected to attend 20 of the 24 races on the calendar before officially stepping down from his role.