Red Bull announce shock departure from garage less than 24 hours before F1 pre-season testing

Red Bull Racing have been hit with a shock departure ahead of pre-season testing, which is set to begin on Wednesday.

This week, all eyes will be firmly fixed on the Bahrain International Circuit as testing ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season takes place from Wednesday to Friday.

All 10 teams are set to put their new cars to work ahead of what is being billed as one of the best campaigns of all time.

Prior to the start of testing, it was confirmed that a long-standing member of the Red Bull team had left his role.

Red Bull hit with departure ahead of 2025 Formula 1 season

Taking to social media, team mechanic Calum Nicholas has confirmed that he will no longer be involved in the garage as he takes up a new role within Red Bull.

He wrote: "The time has come to hang up my race suit…15 years of racing as a mechanic, 13 Formula One seasons, 233 Grands Prix, 4 World Drivers' Championships, 2 World Constructors' Championships & 7 consecutive pitstop awards...it's a career that I'm incredibly proud to look back on.

"To all of those who’ve been a part of this amazing journey, thank you! For the last decade of my life l've been very fortunate to work with an incredible group of people, in a team like no other."

Nicholas added: "So, today, l'm very pleased to announce that I'll be taking on an exciting new role, as a @redbullracing ambassador!"

Respected journalist Will Buxton replied: "Mate congratulations on an incredible career to date, for what you’ve achieved on track and for the inspiration you exude.

"You’ve always held yourself with class and dignity and a broad smile. Enjoy more time with your girls and if someone doesn’t pick you up for TV, they’re nuts."

Max Verstappen is aiming to win his fifth F1 world title in 2025. Image: Getty

The news of Nicholas' departure comes on the same day as Red Bull's unveiling of the RB21, their challenger for 2025, as they look to snatch back the constructor's title from rivals McLaren.

Speaking to BBC about the new car, Max Verstappen expressed an air of confidence as he bids to win a fifth F1 title in a row.

He said: "The development direction we chose at the time showed a lot of promise, but unfortunately it didn't work like that on track so we had to change a few things.

"Now let's hope that is the right direction. We are confident it is the right direction but let's see how much we can extract out of it for this final season with this car."

The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix, which will be held around Albert Park in Melbourne on March 16.