Red Bull Racing has disclosed a significant restructuring of its technical department, aimed at sharpening the team’s emphasis on performance and innovation. The changes are designed to tighten the link between vehicle design and on‑track performance, ensuring that the squad can develop faster, more competitive solutions in the rapidly evolving world of Formula 1. At the centre of the reshuffle is Ben Waterhouse, who has been a fixture at Red Bull since 2017 when he joined as head of performance engineering.
Waterhouse will now step into a broader role as chief performance and design engineer, reporting directly to technical director Pierre Wache. In this expanded capacity, Waterhouse will oversee both the design process and the overall performance of the car, a dual responsibility that Red Bull believes will "strengthen integration between these areas and accelerate the development of competitive, high‑performing solutions." By consolidating design and performance under one senior engineer, the team hopes to reduce internal silos and speed up decision‑making, particularly as the sport moves deeper into the era of sophisticated aerodynamics, hybrid power units, and data‑driven optimisation. In addition to Waterhouse’s promotion, the team has announced that Andrea Landi will join Red Bull from its sister outfit, Racing Bulls, on 1 July. Landi will take on the role of head of performance, reporting to Waterhouse.
Prior to his move, Landi served as deputy technical director at Racing Bulls and previously held the position of deputy head of vehicle performance at Ferrari. His experience across two of the sport’s most technically advanced organisations is expected to inject fresh perspectives into Red Bull’s performance department. By bringing Landi into the fold, Red Bull signals its intention to blend internal talent development with the acquisition of proven expertise from across the paddock. A statement from Red Bull highlighted that these personnel adjustments are aligned with the team’s long‑term technical ambitions.
The company emphasised that nurturing home‑grown talent while simultaneously attracting top‑tier professionals is central to its strategy. This dual approach is intended to sustain the team’s competitiveness as the sport undergoes major regulatory changes, especially the new aerodynamic and power‑unit rules that will come into full effect in the 2026 season.
The timing of the announcement comes after a difficult start to the current Formula 1 campaign. Red Bull, the reigning world champions, find themselves in sixth place in the Constructors' Championship after three rounds, trailing the early leaders Mercedes by 119 points.
The performance gap has been attributed to the team’s adaptation to the new regulations, which have altered the balance between downforce, tyre wear, and power‑unit efficiency. By restructuring its technical hierarchy, Red Bull hopes to close the deficit more quickly and re‑establish its dominance. The restructuring also follows a period of notable staff turnover at Red Bull. Over recent seasons, several key engineers and designers have departed for rival teams.
Most recently, Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s race engineer and the head of racing operations at Red Bull, announced he will join McLaren in 2028 after his contract expires. Such departures have prompted the organisation to reinforce its technical leadership pipeline, ensuring continuity and the retention of critical knowledge.
Looking ahead, the team will have the opportunity to test the impact of its new structure at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for 1‑3 May. This event will also feature the season’s second Sprint race, providing a valuable data‑rich environment for the newly appointed engineers to evaluate the car’s performance under race‑like conditions. The Sprint format, with its shorter distance and emphasis on outright speed, offers a unique laboratory for rapid development cycles, allowing the performance and design teams to iterate on aerodynamic packages, suspension setups, and power‑unit mapping. Beyond the immediate race calendar, Red Bull’s technical overhaul is part of a broader strategic vision that extends to the 2026 regulation overhaul.
The upcoming changes will introduce a new engine formula, increased reliance on sustainable fuels, and a shift toward greater aerodynamic simplicity. By aligning its internal structure now, Red Bull aims to be at the forefront of interpreting and exploiting these regulations, turning potential constraints into competitive advantages. In summary, Red Bull’s announcement signals a decisive move to consolidate design and performance under a unified leadership, bring in fresh expertise from Racing Bulls and Ferrari, and reinforce its commitment to internal talent development. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the creation of high‑performance solutions that can restore the team to the front of the grid as the sport evolves.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes translate on the track, particularly as the championship progresses toward the pivotal 2026 season. For those interested in following the action, the Miami Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with streaming options available through NOW without a long‑term contract. Additionally, the official Formula 1 schedule for 2026, full‑race streaming services, and the latest episodes of The F1 Show podcast can be accessed via the sport’s digital platforms, ensuring fans stay up‑to‑date with every development, both on and off the circuit.