Michael Manning, previously a key member of Max Verstappen’s engineering team at Red Bull, has commenced a new role at Williams. He has taken on the title of Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering at the Grove-based outfit. This move marks a significant engineering appointment for Williams during the current 2026 Formula 1 season.
Manning’s responsibilities at Red Bull included overseeing Verstappen’s race starts as his controls engineer. He was regarded as an integral part of Verstappen’s inner circle, managing critical start procedures, clutch operation, and the car’s launch sequence.
His contributions were crucial to Verstappen’s multiple Drivers’ Championship successes. Manning was also instrumental in Red Bull securing seven Constructors’ Championships during his tenure with the team.
Manning joined Red Bull in January 2011 and remained with the Milton Keynes squad until the end of last year, concluding a 15-year period. He departed after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to pursue a new challenge.
Announcing his new position via LinkedIn, Manning expressed his enthusiasm for the move. He highlighted Williams’ extensive engineering heritage, which includes nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ titles.
‘I’m delighted to share that I’ve begun a new challenge as Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s Chief Engineer – Trackside Engineering,’ Manning stated. ‘There is a genuine hunger at Grove to return to the sharp end of the grid.’
Manning further noted his anticipation of ensuring that the factory’s work translates into ‘clinical execution at the circuit.’ He also acknowledged the significance of joining Williams as the team approaches its 50th anniversary.
The move sees Manning reunite with former Red Bull-backed drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, both of whom currently race for Williams. Manning had previously crossed paths with both drivers earlier in their careers.
Manning’s departure is part of a broader trend of key personnel leaving Red Bull. Other notable figures, including Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Helmut Marko, and Will Courtenay, have also moved on from the team.
Another performance engineer, Tom Hart, also transitioned to Williams in recent months, following a similar path. This collective movement underscores a period of significant change within the Red Bull engineering structure.
Williams, under Team Principal James Vowles, aims to recover ground in the current 2026 season. The team experienced a challenging start under the new regulations, following a period of progress in 2025.
