A significant shift is underway at Red Bull Racing as Craig Skinner, the team’s Chief Designer, has departed, Motorsport.com confirmed Tuesday. Skinner’s exit marks the latest in a series of high-profile departures from the Formula 1 powerhouse, following those of Adrian Newey and Christian Horner in recent months. The move comes as Red Bull prepares for a pivotal 2026 season, marked by its first foray into designing its own power unit in partnership with Ford.
Skinner’s contribution to Red Bull’s recent success was substantial. He played a key role in the team’s dominant run from 2021 to 2024, securing four consecutive World Championships with Max Verstappen at the helm. His departure, however, is not believed to be connected to the previous exits that have reshaped the team’s leadership structure, according to reports.
A Two-Decade Tenure at Red Bull
Skinner’s career with Red Bull spanned two decades, beginning in 2006. He initially joined the team as a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) engineer, working alongside design legend Adrian Newey. Over the years, he rose through the ranks within the aerodynamics department, eventually becoming Chief of Aerodynamics before assuming the role of Chief Designer in 2022. His close collaboration with Newey and technical director Pierre Wache was instrumental in developing the cars that propelled Verstappen to championship glory.
The timing of Skinner’s departure is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with a period of transition for Red Bull. Newey has moved on to Aston Martin, and Horner stepped down as team principal last July. Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has taken a position with Audi’s F1 team, and chief strategist Will Courtenay has joined McLaren, further altering the technical landscape at Red Bull. These departures underscore a period of change for the team as it navigates a new era.
New Engine, New Challenges
Despite the personnel changes, Red Bull appears to be making strides with its ambitious new power unit project. The team’s RB22, featuring its first in-house designed engine with Ford, has reportedly shown promising performance during pre-season testing, drawing praise for its efficient electric energy deployment. This development is crucial as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the face of evolving regulations.
However, not all feedback has been positive. Although the engineering team at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes campus has made significant progress, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has expressed reservations about the incoming 2026 regulations, describing the new cars as “anti-racing” and “not fun” to drive due to the complexities of energy harvesting.
A Resurgent 2025 and a Promising Start to 2026
Under the leadership of team principal Laurent Mekies, Red Bull experienced a resurgence in the latter half of the 2025 season. This momentum has carried into the 2026 pre-season, with the new power unit demonstrating unexpected capabilities. The team will continue its preparations with further testing in Bahrain this week before the season opener in Australia on March 6-8.
Skinner’s role will be covered internally for the time being, according to Red Bull. The team has acknowledged his significant contributions, stating, “Craig has been an integral part of our team and its success, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment. The whole Red Bull team wishes him all the best for the future.”
The departure of a key figure like Skinner inevitably raises questions about the team’s future direction. However, with a new power unit program gaining traction and a determined driver lineup, Red Bull remains a formidable force in Formula 1. The team’s next challenge will be to translate its pre-season promise into on-track success when the 2026 season officially begins in Melbourne.
The Formula 1 landscape is constantly evolving, and Red Bull’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its position at the front of the grid. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team navigates this period of change and builds upon its recent successes.
What are your thoughts on Craig Skinner’s departure and its potential impact on Red Bull Racing? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below.
