In a shocking shake-up within the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s chief mechanic, Matt Caller, is making headlines as he prepares to leave Red Bull Racing to join the ambitious Audi F1 project. This significant move, set to take place at the end of the current season, marks a pivotal moment as Audi gears up to make its grand entry into the motorsport arena in 2026, taking over the Sauber team.
Behind the scenes, Audi’s preparations are rapidly coalescing, demonstrating the brand’s determination to establish itself as a formidable force in F1. The recruitment of Caller, who has been pivotal in Verstappen’s success, signals Audi’s serious intent to bolster its engineering team with top-tier talent. Motorsport insiders have unveiled that Caller’s transition follows the recent signings of Ferrari veterans Wolf Zimmermann and ICE specialist Lars Schmidt, both of whom have deep ties to Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari chief who now serves as Audi’s COO and CTO.
But the intrigue doesn’t stop there. The current Sauber team, led by Jonathan Wheatley—formerly of Red Bull—aims to take significant strides forward, indicating that Audi is not just building a team, but potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of Formula 1. This trend of talent poaching has already seen Lee Stevenson switch from Red Bull to Audi, further emphasizing the allure of the new project.
Caller, who has been with Red Bull since June 2015, rising through the ranks from a number 2 mechanic to chief mechanic in 2022, is expected to take on a more senior role at Audi, although details of his new position remain under wraps. His departure not only represents a loss for Red Bull but also underscores the shifting dynamics within the F1 paddock as teams jockey for position and expertise ahead of the 2026 season.
Interestingly, this move also raises questions about the fate of Caller’s twin brother, Jon, who continues to serve as chief mechanic for Yuki Tsunoda at Red Bull. The sibling rivalry could play a crucial role in the unfolding drama as both teams vie for supremacy on the track.
As the countdown to 2026 intensifies, the transfer of key personnel like Caller paints a picture of an evolving landscape in Formula 1, one where alliances shift and the race for innovation and success becomes ever more fierce. The motorsport community watches with bated breath as these developments unfold, eager to see how this will impact the future of both Audi and Red Bull Racing. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates on this fast-paced saga!
