Significant blow to Verstappen: Red Bull chief designer suddenly steps down

The reason for Skinner's departure right before the start of the season is unknown. In any case, Red Bull will miss him, given the success they have achieved.

Skinner had been with Red Bull Racing from 2006. In the years before that, he worked at Jordan and Williams. After serving several years as deputy head of aerodynamics and chief aerodynamicist, he became chief designer in 2022.

In that role, for example, he was responsible for the RB19, the car that won all but one Grand Prix in 2023.