Verstappen mechanic exit adds to Red Bull uncertainty after Suzuka

March 31, 2026 Oliver Obel

A reported departure within Max Verstappen’s inner circle has added to a growing sense of instability at Red Bull following a difficult Japanese Grand Prix.

German outlet F1-Insider reports that Ole Schack, Verstappen’s number two mechanic, has resigned and is expected to leave the team after Suzuka. The report attributed his decision to “a change in the team's working atmosphere.”

Schack has been part of the organisation since its transition from Jaguar Racing to Red Bull in 2005, working across multiple driver line-ups including David Coulthard, Sebastian Vettel and, more recently, Verstappen. His exit, if confirmed, would mark another experienced figure leaving the championship-winning operation.

The development comes at a challenging time for Red Bull. Verstappen qualified 11th at Suzuka and finished eighth after failing to pass Alpine’s Pierre Gasly in the closing stages. The result underlined a difficult start to the 2026 season, with the team struggling for pace relative to Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren while also managing ongoing battery deployment issues.

It remains unclear whether Schack’s reported departure is connected to broader changes within the team. Red Bull has seen several senior figures move on in the past 18 months, while CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has taken a more active role in the organisation following the death of founder Dietrich Mateschitz.

Further disruption has already affected Verstappen’s side of the garage. His long-time number one mechanic, Matt Caller, left at the end of 2025 to join Audi, with Jon Caller stepping into the role this season.

Speaking to BBC Sport in Suzuka, Verstappen suggested his frustrations extend beyond results, pointing instead to the driving characteristics of the current generation of cars.

"I want to be here to have fun and have a great time and enjoy myself. At the moment that's not really the case," he said.

"But once I sit in the car, it's not the most enjoyable unfortunately. I'm trying."

He added: "Then at one point, yeah, it's just not what I want to do."

While Verstappen has not committed his long-term future, his comments highlight a growing disconnect between the driver and the current Formula 1 regulations—raising further questions as Red Bull navigates both performance and personnel challenges early in the season.

Sources: F1-Insider, BBC Sport, SPORTbible