Red Bull makes last-minute U-turn on Paul Monaghan exit after Cadillac move – Red Bull Racing has reportedly convinced chief engineer Paul Monaghan to remain with the team after previously being linked with a move to Cadillac. According to Spanish Formula 1 journalist Antonio Lobato, Red Bull made Monaghan a late counteroffer, which the long-serving engineer accepted.
The reported U-turn would represent an important retention victory for Red Bull at a time when the team has suffered a series of high-profile personnel departures. Monaghan has been with the Milton Keynes-based outfit since 2005 and is regarded as one of its most experienced technical figures.
Monaghan reportedly accepts Red Bull counteroffer
Lobato made the claim during an interview with Soy Motor, stating that Red Bull had intervened to prevent Monaghan from leaving the organisation.
According to Lobato, Monaghan had been expected to depart for Cadillac after the American team’s arrival on the Formula 1 grid. Reports had also suggested that the experienced engineer would take on a senior leadership position within the new operation.
However, Lobato now says Red Bull presented Monaghan with a counteroffer shortly before his expected departure. The engineer reportedly accepted the proposal and will therefore remain with Red Bull.
The claim has not been publicly confirmed by Red Bull or Monaghan, meaning his reported decision should be treated as unconfirmed until an official announcement is made.
Red Bull facing major personnel losses
Keeping Monaghan would be significant for Red Bull given the number of senior figures who have left the organisation in recent seasons.
The most prominent departure was team principal Christian Horner, who was dismissed after nearly two decades in charge. Red Bull has also lost technical mastermind Adrian Newey, who subsequently moved to Aston Martin, while Helmut Marko’s future with the organisation has also been the subject of major speculation.
The team is therefore under pressure to retain experienced personnel while adapting to a major change in its technical and management structure.
A successful retention of Monaghan would give Red Bull some positive news after months dominated by departures and uncertainty surrounding its senior ranks.
Monaghan has deep Red Bull experience
Monaghan joined Red Bull in 2005 and has been part of the organisation throughout its transformation into one of Formula 1’s dominant teams.
Before joining Red Bull, he worked for several teams, including Renault. During his time there, he served as Fernando Alonso’s race engineer, gaining experience during the Spaniard’s successful period with the Enstone-based team.
His long association with Red Bull means he possesses considerable institutional knowledge of the team’s engineering operation and its development over the past two decades.
That experience would also make his reported retention particularly valuable as Red Bull prepares for another major phase in its Formula 1 programme.
Cadillac reportedly loses potential senior recruit
Monaghan’s reported decision would simultaneously represent a setback for Cadillac, which is building its organisation ahead of its long-term Formula 1 project.
The American manufacturer has been recruiting experienced personnel from across the paddock as it establishes its new team. Monaghan had reportedly been identified for a senior role within that structure.
Red Bull’s ability to retain him would therefore give the team a rare win in the current battle for experienced F1 personnel.
There is also uncertainty surrounding another senior Red Bull figure. Gianpiero Lambiase has been linked with a move to McLaren for the 2028 season, with speculation that Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer could eventually take on a team principal role.
Keeping Monaghan would not reverse Red Bull’s recent personnel losses, but it could prevent another experienced figure from joining a rival operation at a crucial time.
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