Overview
- Former Red Bull mechanic Kenny Handkammer, speaking on a podcast Wednesday, said reports point to chief strategist Hannah Schmitz possibly leaving the team.
- Some outlets report Ferrari interest in Schmitz, though neither she nor any team has confirmed talks.
- Schmitz’s job is to call pit stops and tire plans in real time, decisions that can decide race wins and have underpinned many of Red Bull’s victories.
- The rumor follows a run of senior exits that includes Christian Horner’s ousting, Adrian Newey’s departure, Jonathan Wheatley’s move to Audi, Helmut Marko’s retirement, and Gianpiero Lambiase confirming a switch to McLaren.
- Ex‑driver Christijan Albers urged patience and backed technical chief Pierre Wache as Red Bull grapples with a slower 2026 car and fresh questions about Max Verstappen’s future.