Red Bull Appoints Paul Gandolfi Ahead of F1 2026

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Red Bull Racing has strengthened its executive structure ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season by appointing Paul Gandolfi as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

The move comes amid continued organisational adjustments following the conclusion of the Christian Horner era last year. While recent reports highlighted the departure of key personnel from the Milton Keynes-based squad, sources indicate that Gandolfi has already begun work in his new role, despite no official announcement from the team.

Gandolfi most recently worked at sports marketing agency Right Formula in a comparable position, although his tenure there lasted less than a year. His most significant experience stems from a five-year period with Ferrari’s Formula 1 division, where he was instrumental in securing major commercial partnerships.

Among his most notable achievements was his role in facilitating Ferrari’s title sponsorship agreement with HP, which began in 2024. The deal marked Ferrari’s first title partnership since 2021 and is widely estimated to be worth approximately $100 million annually, making it one of the most significant sponsorship agreements currently in Formula 1.

Gandolfi’s appointment reflects Red Bull’s intention to reinforce its commercial foundations as the championship enters the new 2026 regulatory cycle. In an era defined by cost caps and long-term technical investment, securing strong commercial backing remains a critical strategic pillar alongside on-track performance.

Paddock sources suggest that Red Bull continues to explore opportunities to recruit experienced professionals with established reputations across other strategic departments. The reshaping of the organisation forms part of the team’s broader transition into the new power unit era, in which Red Bull Powertrains operates as an independent engine supplier in collaboration with Ford.

Beyond the commercial dimension, technical discussions within the Formula 1 paddock remain intense ahead of the new season. One of the key talking points surrounds interpretations of the engine compression ratio regulations that have been linked primarily to Mercedes.

On paper, all power units operate under identical regulatory frameworks. However, a widely discussed theory suggests that a particular approach to compression ratio — legally measured by the FIA under static inspection conditions — may result in different operational characteristics once the engine reaches full racing temperature.

Such interpretations are not considered illegal, but rather innovative applications of the written regulations. Historically, however, grey areas in Formula 1 tend to be temporary, often prompting clarifications or regulatory adjustments once competitive advantages become apparent.

For Red Bull, the evolving landscape highlights that the 2026 season will be shaped not only by engineering execution but also by organisational strength and adaptability off the track. By reinforcing its commercial leadership while navigating technical developments across the grid, the team is positioning itself to remain competitive in an increasingly complex Formula 1 environment.