Audi Secures Verstappen's Chief Mechanic Ahead of 2026 F1 Debut

Audi has made a significant acquisition by signing Matt Caller, the chief mechanic for Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, ahead of its official Formula One entry in 2026. Caller, who joined Red Bull in 2015 and became Verstappen's lead mechanic in 2022, is expected to take on a more senior role at Audi, contributing crucial expertise to the German manufacturer's transition into a full works team through its takeover of Sauber. This move aligns with Audi's broader recruitment strategy, which includes bringing in other experienced technical personnel like former Ferrari leaders Wolf Zimmermann and Lars Schmidt, as well as former Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, now Audi's team principal. Caller's signing underscores Audi's intent to build a competitive and technically strong operation as it prepares for the new regulatory era in Formula One. The transition also represents a loss for Red Bull, which is undergoing management changes while trying to maintain its championship dominance. Caller's move, alongside shifts in key personnel, signals a reshaping of the F1 landscape as Audi positions itself as a formidable contender.