Second Max Verstappen ally 'set to leave Red Bull' in surprise new blow

Another member of Max Verstappen's inner circle at Red Bull Racing is reportedly close to leaving the team.

Red Bull have had a challenging start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, with a best finish of sixth for Verstappen in Australia.

The four-time world champion retired from the Chinese Grand Prix due to a coolant issue, before finishing eighth in Japan.

Verstappen has hinted at retirement from F1 due to the restrictive nature of the new regulations, while stating that one of the current positives of being in the sport is working closely with his team at Red Bull.

"Of course I do enjoy certain aspects," he told BBC's Jennie Gow. "I enjoy working with my team. It's like a second family.

"But once I sit in the car, it's not the most enjoyable unfortunately."

There has been a significant turnover in staff at Red Bull over the past 12 months, with team principal Christian Horner, advisor Helmut Marko and head of strategy Will Courtenay among the most high-profile departures.

It was reported earlier this week that Ole Schack, who served as Verstappen's number two mechanic and had been with Red Bull continuously since 2004, had handed in his resignation.

Ole Schack and Max Verstappen pictured (Image: Getty)

PlanetF1 claim that is indeed the case, and the Dane is now said to be in talks with Red Bull over the exact date of his departure.

But the same outlet also claims that Jon Caller, who is listed as Verstappen's lead mechanic but has also worked with team-mate Isack Hadjar this season, is 'understood to have tendered his resignation'.

No official announcement has yet been made regarding either departure.

Caller's twin brother, Matt, departed the team in the winter to move to Audi, where he briefly reunited with ex-Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley before the Audi team principal quit his role in March.

Jon worked on the cars of Sergio Perez and Yuki Tsunoda - both team-mates of Verstappen - before moving to his new position earlier this year.

Red Bull appointed Mike Payne, formerly of Aston Martin and Williams, as a number one mechanic earlier this year, and the team's official website lists as him as working on Hadjar's side of the garage.

However, Payne was spotted working on Verstappen's car during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

SPORTbible have contacted Red Bull Racing for comment.