Michael Manning, one of the engineers closest to Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, has officially started a new chapter in Formula 1. After nearly fifteen years alongside the Dutch driver, the professional has taken on a prominent role at Williams.
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The hiring reinforces the rebuilding phase experienced by the traditional British team, which seeks to return to the front positions on the grid. Manning will take on the role of head of track engineering, leading key operations during race weekends.
The engineer joined Red Bull in January 2011 and played a central role in some of the most important activities related to Verstappen’s car. As a control engineer, he was responsible for critical processes, including start procedures.
Among his duties was overseeing the clutch operation and the entire start sequence, functions that placed him at the center of campaigns that earned the team seven constructors’ titles. Manning left the position at the end of 2025, remaining until the conclusion of last season at the Abu Dhabi GP.
Another professional who followed a similar path was Tom Hart, a performance engineer who also switched from Red Bull to Williams around the same time. Now, Manning confirmed his arrival at the Grove team through a post on his LinkedIn page.
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“I am very happy to share that I have started a new challenge as head of track engineering at the Atlassian Williams F1 Team. Williams’ engineering history is among the most remarkable in Formula 1. With nine constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles, it remains one of the sport’s most iconic teams,” he wrote.
The engineer highlighted that the main reason for accepting the offer was the ambition shown by Williams for the future: “There is a genuine desire in Grove to return to the front of the grid, and I look forward to ensuring that the excellent work done at the factory translates into flawless execution on the circuits,” he added.
Manning also emphasized the personal aspect of the move, which will allow him to reunite with Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon, both of whom have previous experience with the Red Bull structure: “It is a great highlight to work again with Carlos and Alex. I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of this legendary team,” he concluded.
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