Former Max Verstappen ally lands new F1 role after Red Bull exit

At Red Bull, Manning enjoyed a long tenure, having joined the team in 2011 and served as Senior Trackside Control Engineer until last year, where he played a key role within the four-time world champion's engineering team. The former Red Bull engineer has now embarked on a new chapter as Williams' Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering, six months after his departure from the Milton Keynes-based team.

Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Manning said he was delighted to take on the role, describing Williams as one of Formula 1's most iconic teams thanks to its rich engineering heritage and record of success.

He explained that the team's ambition for the future was what attracted him to the position, highlighting the determination at Grove to return to the front of the grid while expressing his desire to help translate the work carried out at the factory into results at the circuit.

Manning also described joining Williams ahead of its 50th anniversary as a particularly meaningful moment. He added that he was looking forward to working with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon again after crossing paths with both earlier in their careers, while expressing his eagerness to contribute to the team's next chapter.

Max Verstappen and McLaren have joined forces away from Formula 1, with the Dutchman's Verstappen Racing programme announcing its support for Belgian prospect Dries van Langendonck. The 15-year-old will remain part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme while also receiving additional backing from Verstappen and his management team.

According to the Dutchman, Van Langendonck has already demonstrated remarkable progress throughout his career and possesses the talent needed to build a successful future in motorsport. After getting to know both the driver and his family, Verstappen said he believes all the ingredients are in place for a potential Formula 1 career, with Verstappen Racing Pro Simulation set to provide simulator support as part of the programme.

Van Langendonck described the opportunity to learn from a driver of Verstappen's calibre, while also receiving support from both Verstappen's management team and McLaren Racing, as a huge boost for his development. He added that his focus remains on continuing to improve and delivering the best performances possible on track.