Max Verstappen is reportedly set to lose one of his most trusted pit crew members at Red Bull. The four-time champion has endured a tough start to the new campaign, having claimed just 12 points from the opening three races. He only managed to finish two of those, with a mechanical issue forcing him to retire from the Chinese Grand Prix.

Red Bull are nowhere near as competitive as they have been in recent seasons, with the revamped technical regulations shaking up the order. It follows the departures of several high-profile figures, including Christian Horner and Helmut Marko, over the last 12 months. Now, another key member of the team is set to leave for pastures new after handing in his notice.

Ole Schack, a front-end mechanic who has been with Red Bull since they first entered F1 two decades ago, is set to depart in the coming months.

However, according to PlanetF1, negotiations over his exact departure date are still taking place. Schack is thought to be pushing for a reduced notice period, allowing him to leave earlier than usual.

Schack is the only member of Red Bull’s trackside personnel to have been at every Grand Prix since the team was formed in 2005.

The recent wave of departures are believed to have shaped his desire to look elsewhere, with the Dane said to have cited a change in atmosphere and working environment.

Schack currently works on Verstappen’s car during pit stops, meaning the Dutchman will lose one of his longest-serving and most trusted allies.

Several other big names have left Red Bull since the end of last season, with chief designer Craig Skinner stepping down from his role.

Matt Caller, another member of Verstappen’s crew, left over the winter to join Audi while Jon Caller, who moved across to fill his twin brother’s role, is also understood to have tendered his resignation.

It’s claimed that morale at Red Bull has dropped significantly in recent months as they navigate a period of transition following the exits of Horner and Marko.

As things stand, they are currently fighting with the likes of Alpine and sister squad Racing Bulls for fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship table.

Isack Hadjar admitted during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend that the atmosphere at Red Bull wasn’t pleasant, given the drop-off in performance compared to last season.

“It’s not good, but everyone’s got their heads down to understand what’s going on,” said the Frenchman. “Hopefully, the next version of the car really makes an effect. That’s it.”

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