The McLaren Components 1 staff has introduced it has signed Purple Bull’s chief strategist Will Courtenay as its new sporting director.
Courtenay initially joined the Milton Keynes-based staff as a methods engineer in 2003 beneath its Jaguar guise, however moved to a method position as soon as the staff turned Purple Bull in 2005.
After a two-decade stint at Purple Bull, during which he rose to change into the world champion squad’s head of race technique for the previous 14 years, Courtenay will be part of title rival McLaren ready reporting to its long-time racing director Randeep Singh because it goals to bolster its on-track racing operations.
“We’re delighted to welcome Will to McLaren,” stated staff principal Andrea Stella. “His expertise, professionalism and fervour for motorsport make him the perfect candidate to steer our F1 sporting operate.
“We at the moment are coming into a key part in our journey as a staff, and we’re assured that he shall be a fantastic addition to our robust management staff as we try to proceed difficult for wins and championships.”
It’s not but clear when Courtenay will make the change, with the Briton nonetheless contracted to Purple Bull till mid-2026.
A spokesperson for the staff confirmed Courtenay would proceed working for the staff till that point.
Christian Horner, Group Principal, Purple Bull Racing, appears down the pit lane whereas sitting on the pit wall
Picture by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Photographs
“Will has been supplied the place of Sporting Director,” the spokesperson stated. “After a protracted and profitable service, being with the staff for the reason that Jaguar days, we’re unhappy to see him go however want him all the perfect on this step up.
“Will continues to be a part of the staff seeing out his contract till mid 2026.”
Courtenay is the most recent senior workers member set to depart Purple Bull, with design guru Adrian Newey becoming a member of Aston Martin in March 2025.
In the meantime, sporting supervisor Jonathan Wheatley will take up the place of staff principal at Sauber from subsequent season.
