Ole Schack, Max Verstappen’s long-serving front-end mechanic, has concluded his tenure with Red Bull Racing. His final event was the Brazilian Grand Prix on November 8, 2026.
Schack, 48, joined the Formula 1 paddock in 2004 with Jaguar Racing. He then moved to the newly formed Red Bull team in 2005.
He is one of only two trackside personnel, alongside former team principal Christian Horner, to have attended every Red Bull Grand Prix since the team’s debut in 2005.
During his 21 years with the Milton Keynes squad, Schack was responsible for strapping Verstappen into his car. He performed this task for 226 of Verstappen’s 230 Grands Prix.
Schack previously worked on the cars of David Coulthard from 2005 to 2008. He then served as a mechanic for Sebastian Vettel from 2009 to 2014.
He was part of the team that secured four world titles with Vettel. Schack estimates he strapped drivers into their cars over 1,100 times.
His departure is driven by a desire to spend more time with his family in Denmark. He will not be joining a rival Formula 1 team.
Schack also cited a “change in atmosphere and working environment” at Red Bull as a factor in his decision.
This follows a series of high-profile departures from the team. Christian Horner left in mid-2025, and advisor Helmut Marko departed over the winter break.
Other key figures, including lead strategist Will Courtenay and chief designer Craig Skinner, have also left Red Bull in recent months.
Schack offered insights into Verstappen’s character, noting the driver is “incredibly relaxed” outside the cockpit.
“Max is an incredibly relaxed guy when he’s not in the car. He enjoys having a laugh and is great to be around.”
However, Schack observed a “different look in Max’s eyes” during qualifying, particularly in Q3. This indicated Verstappen’s intense focus.
Schack maintained a strict routine in the garage, especially on Saturdays. This consistent approach helped him identify even minor issues.
A notable career highlight for Schack was the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen secured his maiden F1 victory.
In 2012, following the death of his father, Christian Horner arranged for Schack to accept the constructor’s trophy. This occurred at the Singapore Grand Prix.
More recently, Schack highlighted Verstappen’s first victory at the Singapore Grand Prix as a significant achievement for the team.
For his final race weekend in Brazil, Verstappen presented Schack with one of his F1 helmets. Red Bull also honored him with a custom can detailing his career statistics.
The Brazilian Grand Prix saw Verstappen start from 21st position due to a power unit penalty. He recovered to finish second.
Verstappen had reported clutch and steering issues during practice sessions at Interlagos. Red Bull made several adjustments to his car.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed that team orders would have been implemented. Verstappen was to return second place to Isack Hadjar if conditions had allowed.
Hadjar completed the podium in third place, securing a double podium for Red Bull.
Schack stated he would miss the friendships and the competitive environment of Formula 1.
