Monaghan's departure from Red Bull isn't a done deal: here's why

Monaghan has spent 21 years at Red Bull Racing and has played a key role in the team's success, helping it win 15 Formula 1 world championships. However, that remarkable chapter could soon come to an end.

As GPblog revealed during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Monaghan is interested in taking on a new challenge with Cadillac, where he is understood to be in line for a senior technical role.

Neither Red Bull nor Cadillac was willing to comment on the situation in Austria, which is hardly surprising given that no agreement has been finalised. While Monaghan has reportedly made it clear internally that he would like to make the switch, Red Bull is reluctant to lose one of its most experienced technical figures.

The Milton Keynes-based team is understood to be trying to convince Monaghan to stay by offering him an improved salary and a long-term commitment.

If Monaghan does leave, he would become the latest high-profile figure to depart Red Bull in recent years.

His situation is also believed to be linked to the departure of Christian Horner, who was dismissed by Red Bull last year. Monaghan has long been regarded as one of Horner's closest allies and is understood to have preferred the former team principal to remain in charge.

There is a growing belief within the Formula 1 paddock that many of Horner's loyalists could eventually leave Red Bull if the right opportunity presents itself. For senior figures who have already achieved everything with one of the sport's most successful teams, attractive offers are never far away.

Red Bull has already seen several key names move on, including Gianpiero Lambiase and Will Courtenay, both of whom have joined McLaren on significantly improved financial terms.

Beyond the Horner connection, Monaghan's interest in Cadillac is understandable for another reason.

After more than two decades at Red Bull, there is little left for him to achieve with the team. Cadillac, by contrast, is building a Formula 1 operation from the ground up, offering experienced personnel the chance to shape a new project from the very beginning.

At the same time, Red Bull is eager to retain Monaghan. His technical knowledge and experience are extremely difficult to replace, particularly after several years of key departures from the organisation. Losing another senior engineer would be another significant blow as the team prepares for Formula 1's new regulations in 2026.