With the 2026 Formula 1 season approaching, Red Bull is finalizing the details of its internal organization. While Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar already know their respective race engineers, the Milton Keynes-based team has just confirmed a strategic appointment within the young Frenchman's garage.
Red Bull: Mike Payne, an experienced reinforcement for Hadjar
The move follows a game of musical chairs initiated by the departure of Matt Caller, former chief mechanic of Verstappen, gone to take on a new challenge at Audii. To ensure continuity around the four-time world champion, Red Bull entrusted this key role to Jon Caller, Matt's brother, until then chief mechanic of Yuki Tsunoda.
A logical choice for Verstappen… but which left a void on the side of'Isack Hadjar.
According to RacingNews365, Red Bull He quickly filled this sensitive position. It's Mike Payne who was chosen to become the new chief mechanic ofIsaac Hadjar from 2026. Officially integrated into the Austrian team this month, Payne arrives fromAston Martin.
A solid and experienced profile. Payne evolved at Aston Martin from May 2021 until the end of the 2025 season, after spending six years at Williams in various technical positions. A career path that aligns with the philosophy Red Bull : combining youth behind the wheel and expertise in the garage.
For HadjarThis appointment marks a significant milestone. On the eve of its first full season in Formula 1The Frenchman will benefit from a well-established technical support team, capable of handling the pressure of the highest level.
If mechanics evolve, Red Bull However, it has opted for continuity on the strategic level. Max Verstappen will continue its collaboration with Gianpiero Lambiase, a duo that has become one of the strongest and most successful on the grid.
Isaac HadjarFor its part, will continue to work with Richard Wood. An association already in place since the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi, where the Frenchman had participated in the entire program with the team.
Wood is not a stranger to Red BullHaving arrived in 2012, he has held numerous key roles: simulator performance engineer, race support engineer, strategic analyst, and then performance engineer. He also served as a substitute race engineer for Sergio Pérez during certain races in 2024, before working full-time in 2025 with Liam Lawson. et Yuki Tsunoda.
When Red Bull As it prepares for the entry into a new regulatory era, these adjustments reflect a clear intention: to secure the environment of Verstappen while methodically building the future around Hadjar.
In a paddock where human stability is often as crucial as technical performance, Red Bull sends a clear message: nothing is being left to chance for 2026.
