Audi signs Verstappen's F1 chief mechanic from Red Bull

Max Verstappen’s chief mechanic at Red Bull Matt Caller will join the Audi Formula 1 project at the end of the current season, Autosport has learned.

Audi’s F1 preparations are steadily taking shape as behind the scenes it is working hard on its entry into the pinnacle of motorsport in 2026 when it officially takes over the Sauber squad.

In recent weeks Audi recruited Wolf Zimmermann and ICE specialist Lars Schmidt both from Ferrari, which should come as no surprise, as both worked closely with Mattia Binotto at the Italian manufacturer, with Binotto now at Audi as its COO and CTO.

Operationally, the current Sauber team also wants to make steps under the leadership of Jonathan Wheatley, who served as Red Bull's sporting director for many years. That link to Red Bull explains another paddock transfer that has surfaced during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Autosport has learned that Audi is strengthening its ranks by signing Caller, who is currently Verstappen’s chief mechanic at Red Bull.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images via Getty Images

Caller is set to finish the ongoing F1 season with Laurent Mekies’ squad before making the move to Audi.

Caller joined Red Bull in June 2015, after a stint at Carlin, beginning as a number 2 mechanic before being promoted to the role of chief mechanic in 2022.

His exact position at Audi has not been announced yet, although it is expected to be more senior than his current role at Red Bull.

Caller is not the first mechanic Red Bull has lost to the Audi project, as Lee Stevenson made the same switch and moved into a senior role at the Hinwil-based team. Caller’s twin brother Jon also works for Red Bull as chief mechanic on Yuki Tsunoda's side of the garage.