Red Bull are set to lose another senior figure as chief engineer Paul Monaghan prepares to join the new Cadillac Formula 1 team, according to reports. The 58-year-old has spent 20 years in charge of Red Bull's engineering operations and is one of the last remaining leaders from the team's early days.
Monaghan's Move to Cadillac
As reported by RacingNews365, Monaghan received multiple offers from rival teams, including a potential reunion with Adrian Newey at Aston Martin. However, he has accepted an offer from Cadillac, Formula 1's newest outfit. Neither Red Bull nor Cadillac commented, but it is understood Monaghan has informed Red Bull of his plan to leave. He will serve a period of gardening leave and is unlikely to start at Cadillac until at least next season.
Legacy at Red Bull
Monaghan joined Red Bull in 2005 from Jordan Grand Prix shortly after the team entered F1. In his role as chief engineer, he oversaw the construction and development of eight championship-winning cars, contributing to eight drivers' and six constructors' titles. Known internally as 'Pedals', he is a popular and respected figure at the Milton Keynes factory.
Exodus of Senior Figures
Monaghan's departure adds to a growing list of senior exits. Adrian Newey joined Aston Martin in 2024, former team principal Christian Horner was dismissed last year, and engineers Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay left for McLaren. Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is also set to join McLaren in 2028. The changes signal a significant restructuring at Red Bull.
Impact on Verstappen
The loss of familiar faces may affect Max Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028 but holds a clause to leave, activatable between August and October this year. While Verstappen has expressed a desire to stay, he has not committed beyond this year and reportedly declined to do so in a recent meeting with Red Bull's Austrian leadership. Team principal Laurent Mekies will hope to retain the Dutchman amid the upheaval.
