Red Bull have confirmed the exit of chief designer Craig Skinner with immediate effect ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.

Skinner joined the team in 2006, playing a key role in their recent title successes between 2021 and 2024 with Max Verstappen.

He previously worked alongside Adrian Newey, who is now at Aston Martin, and Pierre Wache, the leader of Red Bull's technical division.

It is suspected the team will fill the role internally in the interim, with Skinner's next move yet to be announced.

Red Bull said in a statement: "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."

Red Bull's Chief Designer Craig Skinner has departed the team with immediate effect, having first joined the squad back in 2006 

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The new F1 season gets under way on March 8, with the first race taking place in Melbourne.

The final testing session of pre-season comes later this week in Bahrain as all 11 teams get to grips with the new engine regulations.