Max Verstappen's Chief Mechanic Lee Stevenson Leaves Red Bull – News18

Lee Stevenson, who was the chief mechanic of Max Verstappen, has bid adieu to the Red Bull ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the Suzuka Circuit on April 7. Stevenson has been a popular name in the Formula One circuit where he first emerged in 2000 as part of the Jordan Grand Prix. He worked there for five years before moving to Red Bull Racing in 2006. Stevenson announced his departure with a heart-warming farewell message from Red Bull’s MK-7 facility in Milton Keynes on Thursday, March 28. He shared a video on Instagram where he reminisced about his 18-year-long stint with the Red Bull team.

“It’s been an incredible journey and one that I’m very proud of. What we’ve achieved has been monumental and something I would never have fathomed in 2006. This is the end of part A, part B of my life starts on Monday. Thank you all once again,” the caption of the post read.

After joining Red Bull, Stevenson initially worked as a number two mechanic. He held that position till 2014 before being promoted to a higher role. He has worked closely with Max Verstappen since 2016 and became his chief mechanic at the start of the last season. Stevenson was part of the Dutch driver’s 56 victories during his Formula One career.

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“It’s been an amazing 18 years and all the things that I’ve managed to achieve here with the team, it’s just been absolutely incredible. Working on the first car, the RB2, all the way through to the RB16B and obviously, the RB19. In 2006, when I started, I never thought we’d win races, get poles, or win championships, but we’ve managed to do all of that and it’s just been amazing,” Stevenson was heard saying in the video.

The recently concluded Australian Grand Prix marks Stevenson’s final assignment with Red Bull Racing. It, however, was a forgetful event for Max Verstappen, who was forced to retire after the third lap due to mechanical issues.

Having parted ways with Red Bull, Stevenson will now kick off a new chapter of his career in Japan. He has not revealed the name of his new team yet. Chris Genty has been roped in by Red Bull to replace Stevenson in the crew. The new member has been part of the team since the start of this season.