Max Verstappen‘s former chief mechanic, Lee Stevenson, has been elevated to a key leadership position at Audi ahead of the team’s debut Formula 1 campaign, in what marks a notable Max Verstappen Audi F1 promotion. Audi is preparing for its first full season in the sport, taking over the Sauber entry as the German marque embraces F1’s fresh technical era.
Lee Stevenson Moves Up at Audi’s New F1 Team
After nearly two decades with Red Bull, including recent championship runs with Max Verstappen, Lee Stevenson departed the winning squad early in 2024 to join Sauber. Initially serving as chief mechanic with Nico Hulkenberg, Stevenson’s rapid progress has now seen him promoted to Team Manager. He will now report to Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, his former colleague from Red Bull, as Audi transitions into a dedicated works outfit for the new season.
This move comes as Audi formally takes the reins of the Sauber operation, equipping the squad with brand new power units and aerodynamic packages for the upcoming campaign. The shake-up is timed with sweeping changes to F1’s technical regulations, aiming to boost competitiveness across the field.
Audi to Unveil Challenger and Hit Track First
Audi has announced their 2024 car livery reveal will take place on January 20 in Berlin. This date follows Red Bull and Racing Bulls’ Detroit presentation on January 15 and comes just after Haas, which has rescheduled its own launch for January 19. After unveiling the car, Audi will undertake a shakedown run at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on January 9, using one of its permitted filming days. This session, held ahead of pre-season testing at the same venue, ensures Audi is the first team to put their new car on track this year, according to Planet F1.
In a further sign of readiness, Audi recently completed the initial firing of its Formula 1 power unit shortly before the Christmas break, a major step in its preparations. The drive lineup will see German racer Nico Hulkenberg, who reached his maiden podium at the previous season’s British Grand Prix, alongside Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, building upon his debut campaign in the sport.
New Calendar and Audi’s Place in 2024 F1
Audi, along with fellow newcomers Cadillac, will join the competitive field when the season gets underway on March 8 at Melbourne’s Albert Park, as part of a 24-race calendar. This year adds The Madring in Madrid to the schedule, making two Spanish races for 2024, while the season finale will again take place at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.
By making bold management and technical moves early, Audi positions itself to make an immediate impression in Formula 1’s latest chapter. Lee Stevenson’s promotion reflects the team’s faith in experience and continuity, while the head start on-track demonstrates Audi’s commitment to innovation and performance. With excitement building around the Max Verstappen Audi F1 promotion, all eyes will be on how the German manufacturer measures up when the lights go out in Melbourne this March.
