F1 News: Red Bull Racing Parts Ways with Designer Craig Skinner

In a surprising development just days before the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Oracle Red Bull Racing has confirmed the departure of their Aero Designer, Craig Skinner (pictured), after a remarkable 20-year tenure with the team.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Skinner, a key figure in the team’s recent dominance, has decided to step down of his own accord, with no immediate details on his future plans or a successor announced. He is likely going to another team for more money, he just has not announced it yet.

A Storied Career at Milton Keynes

Skinner joined Red Bull in 2006 as a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engineer, quickly rising through the ranks due to his expertise in aerodynamics. By 2009, he was promoted to group leader, followed by roles as deputy head of aerodynamics and then chief aerodynamicist in 2018. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he was elevated to Chief Designer, overseeing the overall design and development of the team’s F1 cars.

Working closely with former design guru Adrian Newey (now at Aston Martin) and technical director Pierre Waché, Skinner played a pivotal role in the ground-effect era cars that propelled Max Verstappen to four consecutive world titles from 2021 to 2024. Notably, he was instrumental in the creation of the RB19, the 2023 chassis widely regarded as the most dominant car in F1 history, securing 21 out of 22 race wins that season.

Understanding Red Bull Technology and Its Role

Red Bull Technology is the engineering and manufacturing division of the Red Bull Racing Group, operating from the team’s Milton Keynes Technology Campus in the UK.

It serves as the technical backbone for Oracle Red Bull Racing, handling the design, development, and production of Formula 1 cars, components, and related technologies. This division is integral to the F1 team, employing specialists in aerodynamics, composites, and simulation to support on-track performance.

Red Bull Technology also extends its expertise to supply technical support and chassis to the sister team, Visa Cash App RB, ensuring synergies across the Red Bull family in Formula 1.

It’s distinct from Red Bull Advanced Technologies, which focuses on external projects like hypercars and fuel cell development, but both operate under the broader Red Bull Racing umbrella. Skinner’s role was firmly within this core technical hub, directly contributing to the F1 team’s success, rather than indicating any sidelining.

Official Statement and Timing

Red Bull issued a brief statement acknowledging Skinner’s contributions: “After 20 years with the team, Craig Skinner, our Chief Designer, will be leaving the Red Bull Technology team. Craig has been an integral part of our team and its success, and we would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment. The whole Red Bull team wishes him all the best for the future.”

Craig Skinner (L), Chief Designer at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Oracle Red Bull Racing Head of Car Engineering Paul Monaghan talk in the garage during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 28, 2024 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool //

The announcement comes amid a wave of changes at Red Bull, including recent departures in administrative roles under new team principal Laurent Mekies and chairman Oliver Mintzlaff. However, sources emphasize that Skinner’s exit is unrelated to these shifts and is purely voluntary. The timing, just two weeks before the 2026 season opener and on the cusp of major regulatory changes including new power units, has raised eyebrows in the paddock.

Reactions and Implications

The news has sparked discussions across social media and F1 communities. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed surprise and speculation about Skinner’s next move, with one fan asking, “Jon any news where will Craig Skinner go? He is leaving RBR on own request…interesting.” Another post highlighted concerns about a “Massive Exodus in Red Bull,” noting the team’s ongoing competitiveness despite internal turbulence.

For Red Bull, losing Skinner represents a significant blow, especially as they navigate the 2026 regulations without Newey’s influence for the first time in years. The team has yet to name a replacement, but internal promotions or external hires could be on the horizon to fill the void left by one of their longest-serving technical minds.

As the F1 world turns its attention to the upcoming season, Skinner’s departure underscores the ever-evolving nature of team dynamics in the sport. AutoRacing1.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on this story.