Long-serving Max Verstappen Formula 1 mechanic, Ole Schack has decided to leave Red Bull citing a change in ‘atmosphere’ as per reports.
The Dutchman has endured a difficult start to the sport’s latest era.
Three rounds into the 2026 campaign, the 28-year-old has suffered a DNF and finished outside the top 5 consistently.
Verstappen isn’t too happy with the RB22 either – not only in terms of its competitiveness but also the regulations it was built around.
Now, it would appear that another set of not-so-ideal news is heading his way with reports that Schack has handed in his papers at the Milton-Keynes-based team.
The Danish mechanic has been a mainstay in Verstappen’s pit-crew. In fact, his tenure at Red Bull had begun from the very first race of the team at the Australian GP in 2005.
Schack has also not missed a single Grand Prix to date.
But is is understood that Christian Horner’s dismissal and a resultant ‘change in the atmosphere’ at the team has forced the Dane’s hand.
Negotiations are still underway, however, with respect to the exact date of his departure, with Schack looking for a shorter notice period.
It seems as though Schack might look to keep his F1 career intact, with him seeking a ‘fresh challenge’ most probably in the paddock.
Red Bull F1 motivation suggested to be at an all-time low
Horner’s dismissal has followed with a roller-coaster of emotions for Red Bull.
Laurent Mekies’ arrival coincided with the RB21’s resurgent run in the latter-half of the final season with the ground effects cars, last season.
Verstappen missed out on a consecutive fifth title by just two points to Lando Norris at Abu Dhabi.
But despite a promising pre-season with its own RBPT-Ford power unit – a first of its kind for the team as an OEM – the RB22 has seriously lagged behind the leading trio of Mercedes, McLaren and Ferrari.
Schack’s departure, therefore, seems to be a consequence of the team suffering from a major drop in morale.
Verstappen’s team-mate, Isack Hadjar, hinted at this after the Japanese GP.
“It’s not good,” he told media including Motorsport Week when asked about the team’s inner morale.
“But everyone’s got their heads down to understand what’s going on. Hopefully, the next version of the car really makes an effect. That’s it.”
F1’s ‘Spring-Break’ in April might just be the off-time Red Bull needs to get its ship saved, and its design concept bettered, before we move onto the Miami GP.