In a bold move that could reshape the balance of power in Formula 1, Red Bull has poached over 200 key personnel from arch-rival Mercedes as it prepares to debut its own power unit in 2026. Red Bull boss Christian Horner confirmed the staggering recruitment drive, aimed at bolstering the team’s newly-formed powertrains division, as they gear up for a new era of hybrid powertrains focused on a 50/50 electrification split.
Mercedes, long regarded as the gold standard in F1 engine building since the hybrid era began in 2014, has seen its ranks depleted as Red Bull strengthens its engineering capabilities. Horner, speaking to British broadcaster Channel 4, revealed that the influx of ex-Mercedes staff has been quietly building momentum, though most attention has been on the high-profile departures of Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley from Red Bull.
“We’ve recruited, I think, close to 250 people during the last 12 months, across the project, into powertrains, into the brand new engine shop that we’re building,” Horner said. “We don’t talk about the over 200 people we brought from Mercedes.”
“Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley Depart, But Red Bull’s ‘Strength in Depth’ Persists”
Despite Red Bull’s personnel gains, the team has also experienced significant losses, with two of its biggest names leaving the fold. Adrian Newey, the legendary aerodynamicist who has been instrumental in Red Bull’s success since 2006, has confirmed his departure to join Aston Martin starting in 2025. Alongside him, long-serving Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley will move to Sauber/Audi as Team Principal in the same year.
While these exits may seem like a blow to Red Bull, Horner is confident the team’s depth of talent will keep them competitive. “We had an amazing run with Adrian,” Horner said. “He’s been a big part of everything we’ve done, but he’s chosen to take on a new challenge. We knew that was coming and have been gearing up for that.”
Horner was quick to downplay the significance of these high-profile departures, emphasizing that Red Bull’s success doesn’t rest on the shoulders of just two people. “Adrian has been on the brink of retiring for 10 years, and so we had to be prepared for that,” he said. “Jonathan likewise has been a long-term team member, but they’re two higher-profile names out of 2,000 people that we have within the group.”
“Red Bull’s Winless Streak and the Battle for 2026”
While Red Bull has made headlines with its recruitment, the team is currently going through a challenging phase on the track. They are in the midst of an eight-race winless streak, losing their lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren. Despite this, Max Verstappen still leads the Drivers’ standings with 331 points, ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris with 279.
As Red Bull looks ahead to 2026, the year when the new power unit regulations take effect, the team is betting big on its in-house engine project. With Mercedes staff flooding into Red Bull’s powertrains division, Horner and the team are clearly setting the stage for a fierce battle in the coming seasons.
The war between Red Bull and Mercedes is far from over—it’s only just beginning.
