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This is what Verstappen's former chief mechanic at Audi stake is going to do!

This is what Verstappen's former chief mechanic is going to do at Audi!

2 April at 12:00
20
  • Ludo van Denderen

At the end of last week, Lee Stevenson announced he was leaving Red Bull Racing after 18 years of loyal service. The Austrian team's chief mechanic himself announced via Instagram that he was moving 'to the other side of the pitlane'. It soon became clear that Stevenson will join Stake F1, which will become Audi in 2026. It was still a secret about his role.

Stevenson worked closely with Max Verstappen for five seasons at Red Bull. At his request, after the 2020 season, the Briton was given a different role within the team. Chris Gent became Verstappen's new chief mechanic, and Stevenson took up the position of Support Team Chief Mechanic, the position below that of chief mechanic. The Austrian racing team was very satisfied with his work, and promotion followed before the start of the 2023 season: Stevenson became Chief Mechanic.

Stevenson starts in his new position

After the Australian Grand Prix, Stevenson announced he was leaving the team. The Brit will start working for the Stake F1 (Sauber) team at the Japanese Grand Prix. Stake F1 will officially be Audi's factory team from 2026.

Stevenson has already flown with his new employer to Japan, where next weekend's Grand Prix at the iconic Suzuka circuit takes place. In the pit box of Stake F1, he will start his new position with the team: as one of the Chief Mechanics.