Red Bull revamps technical staff amid sluggish 2026 start

Red Bull has overhauled its technical leadership as it wrestles with a sluggish start to the 2026 season. Ben Waterhouse has been given a broader remit as chief performance‑design engineer, while Andrea Landi joins as head of performance. The move comes as the Milton‑Keynes outfit sits sixth in the Constructors' Championship and looks to claw back to the front.

Why it matters:

• A poor start threatens Red Bull’s recent dominance and puts pressure on sponsors and the brand.
• Maintaining a strong technical hierarchy is vital to keep pace with Mercedes, Ferrari and rising challengers.
• Promoting from within signals a long‑term commitment to developing internal talent while still attracting proven expertise.

The details:

• Ben Waterhouse – promoted to chief performance‑design engineer, reporting to technical director Pierre Wache. He now holds “overarching responsibility across design and vehicle performance” and has been with the team since 2017, previously heading performance engineering.
• Andrea Landi – appointed head of performance, effective 1 July. Landi brings experience from Ferrari and Racing Bulls, where he worked on power‑unit integration and aerodynamic optimisation.
• Gianpiero Lambiase – the head of racing will depart in 2028, ending a tenure that oversaw multiple world titles.
• Red Bull’s official statement highlighted the changes as supportive of “the team’s long‑term technical ambitions” and a blend of internal development with external expertise.

What's next:

• The new structure will be tested during the development cycle for the next‑spec car, with upgrades expected at the British Grand Prix.
• If the reshuffle accelerates gains in aerodynamics and power‑unit efficiency, Red Bull could re‑enter the top three by mid‑season.
• Continued focus on internal promotion suggests further staff adjustments as the 2026 campaign progresses.