F1 News: Max Verstappen Loses Chief Mechanic To Another Team "At The Other End Of The Pit Lane"

Max Verstappen's chief mechanic is leaving Red Bull.

Max Verstappen's chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson, has bid farewell to Red Bull Racing after an illustrious 18-year tenure. Stevenson, instrumental in Verstappen's numerous victories and championship triumphs, is set to join a rival team.

Key Takeaways:

• Lee Stevenson, Max Verstappen's chief mechanic, ends an 18-year association with Red Bull Racing.
• Stevenson has been a pivotal figure in Verstappen's 56 grand prix victories and three world championship titles.
• The announcement of Stevenson's departure was marked by a farewell message on Instagram on his last day with the team, March 28th.

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The Formula 1 community was taken by surprise as news broke of Lee Stevenson, the chief mechanic for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, announcing his departure from the team. Having been a cornerstone of the team's success for nearly two decades, Stevenson's move to a competitor marks the end of an era for both him and Red Bull.

Stevenson's journey with Red Bull has been nothing short of remarkable, witnessing firsthand the team's evolution and Verstappen's rise to prominence. From the early days of nurturing raw talent to celebrating podium finishes and world championships, Stevenson has been an integral part of the team's fabric. His expertise and calm under pressure were vividly demonstrated during the 2020 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he played a critical role in repairing Verstappen's car following a pre-race incident, leading to an unexpected podium finish.

This transition is not just a personal milestone for Stevenson but also signals a time of change for Red Bull Racing. The team, known for its cohesive and skilled pit crew, will undoubtedly feel the absence of such an experienced and respected member.

The news of Stevenson's move was shared in a poignant farewell message on Instagram, capturing the emotions of parting ways with a team that has been home for so many years. It has not been confirmed which team Stevenson will be moving to just yet but it is expected that he will go on garden leave before joining the team "at the other end of the pit lane".