Max Verstappen’s Chief Mechanic Departs Red Bull in Shock Exit
In a development that could reverberate throughout the Formula 1 paddock, Max Verstappen’s long-time chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson, has officially left Red Bull Racing. The man who played a crucial role in the Dutch driver’s meteoric rise and championship dominance is stepping away marking the end of an era in one of F1’s most formidable driver-mechanic partnerships.
A Quiet Force Behind the Dominance
While drivers tend to receive the lion’s share of the spotlight in Formula 1, insiders know the critical role played by those behind the scenes. And when it comes to Max Verstappen’s success at Red Bull Racing, few figures have been more consistently important than his chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson.
Since Verstappen’s promotion to Red Bull in 2016, Stevenson has been by his side through every milestone—from his maiden win in Barcelona to the dramatic 2021 championship and the dominant campaigns that followed. Known for his precision, cool-headed leadership under pressure, and deep rapport with Verstappen, Stevenson has been a key pillar in Red Bull’s technical consistency.
His departure, confirmed ahead of the next race weekend, has taken many within the team and the wider F1 community by surprise.
The Announcement
The news was made public via Stevenson’s personal social media channels, where he posted a heartfelt message confirming his decision:
“After 18 incredible years with Red Bull Racing, I’ve decided to close this chapter of my life. I’m proud of everything we achieved together, especially working with Max and this extraordinary team. Thank you to everyone in the garage, in the factory, and on the pit wall. It’s time for a new adventure.”
Red Bull Racing followed up with a brief statement, thanking Stevenson for his years of dedication and service, and wishing him the best in his next venture. The team has not yet announced who will replace him as Verstappen’s chief mechanic, though internal candidates are likely being considered to maintain continuity.
Max Verstappen's former chief mechanic Lee Stevenson will leave Red Bull.
— Formula Aerodynamics (@F_Aerodynamics) March 29, 2024
He will start his new adventure on Monday with a rival team “on the other side of the pitlane.” pic.twitter.com/pyEJUPaKEE
Verstappen’s Reaction
Max Verstappen, known for his loyalty to his inner circle, is said to be deeply affected by Stevenson’s exit. In post-race interviews, Verstappen has often credited “the boys in the garage” for his ability to push the car to its limits with confidence.
Speaking after the announcement, Verstappen commented:
“Lee has been a massive part of my journey at Red Bull. We’ve shared a lot of highs—and some tough moments too. I wish him all the best, and he knows he’ll always be part of the family.”
Sources close to the team indicate that while Verstappen was informed ahead of the public announcement, the decision was Stevenson’s own, driven by personal and professional goals beyond Red Bull.
Why Now?
While no specific reason was cited, several factors may have influenced Stevenson’s decision:
- Burnout and schedule fatigue: After nearly two decades in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of F1, stepping back for personal reasons would not be unusual. The 24-race calendar is more demanding than ever.
- Desire for a new challenge: Stevenson may be eyeing roles in other motorsport categories, or even transitioning into team management, consultancy, or technical leadership elsewhere.
- Internal dynamics: While Red Bull appears unified on the surface, recent internal tensions including controversies involving team principal Christian Horner and speculation about the futures of Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen could have added to the environment of uncertainty.
Though it’s unclear what Stevenson’s next step will be, he remains one of the most respected technical professionals in the sport.
The Impact on Red Bull
Losing a chief mechanic is no small matter. These individuals are the technical and emotional anchors for a driver’s garage crew. They oversee car preparation, manage setups, guide the mechanics during pit stops, and act as a liaison between the driver and the engineering team.
For Verstappen, who thrives on trust and stability within his crew, this change will be significant.
Red Bull will likely promote from within to ensure minimal disruption especially with the team in championship contention. Still, rebuilding that level of trust and cohesion takes time, and the short-term impact on Verstappen’s confidence or feedback process cannot be ignored.
A Season of Uncertainty?
Stevenson’s departure adds another layer of complexity to what is already a season full of questions for Red Bull.
- Will Verstappen remain with the team beyond 2025, given recent rumors of a potential move to Mercedes?
- Will Adrian Newey stay on amid rumors of Ferrari’s interest?
- How will Red Bull maintain its culture and performance with senior figures slowly departing?
For now, Red Bull remains at the top of the championship, but behind the scenes, the structure is beginning to shift.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Lee Stevenson’s exit marks more than just a personnel change it closes a chapter in one of F1’s most successful recent partnerships. As Red Bull adapts to internal shifts and Max Verstappen continues to chase records, the absence of his trusted chief mechanic will certainly be felt.
The paddock now waits to see whether this is an isolated departure or the start of a broader exodus within Red Bull’s inner circle.