Max Verstappen Gives Emotional Farewell Gift to Long-Serving Red Bull Mechanic

Max Verstappen Gives Red Bull Mechanic Ole Schack His Race Helmet

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen presented his race helmet to long-serving Red Bull mechanic Ole Schack after Schack took part in his final race for the Milton Keynes-based team at Interlagos.

The helmet featured a special design created for the Brazilian Grand Prix. Footage of Verstappen handing it to Schack was shared on social media, showing an emotional farewell between the Red Bull driver and the mechanic who has supported the team for two decades.

Ole Schack Leaves Red Bull to Spend More Time With His Family

Schack joined Red Bull during the team’s first Formula 1 season in 2005 and works as a front-end mechanic on Verstappen’s car. Rather than joining a rival team, the Danish mechanic is stepping away from life on the road to spend more time at home.

Explaining his decision to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Schack said: “I miss my family and I want to give something back to them, because I’ve obviously been a little selfish by being away so much,”

Reflecting on his long association with Red Bull, Schack added: “I’m proud to have been part of this team, through all the ups and downs. That final time will be special, but above all, I realise how much I owe Red Bull.”

Red Bull Marks Mechanic’s 20-Year Career

Red Bull also commemorated Schack’s service with a one-off can of Red Bull printed with a list of his career statistics from his time with the team. The gesture, alongside Verstappen’s helmet, prompted a wave of supportive reactions from fans online.

One fan wrote: “20 years at RB is a career to be proud of. Well done!” Another commented: “He’s a legend! Was around during the Jaguar days! He’s gonna be missed!”

Other reactions focused on the custom can and the warmth of the farewell. One social media user posted: “Also loved that they got him a custom can with all his stats from his time with the team printed on it,” while another wrote: “You know it’s a good gift when that’s the reaction.”

Further comments included: “What a good hug too. Not some half-arsed thing. Good for them”, and “Awesome stuff from Max! Liking Max more and more these days.”

Schack’s Red Bull Formula 1 History

Before working with Verstappen, Schack was assigned to several of Red Bull’s leading drivers. He worked with David Coulthard from 2005 to 2008 and then with Sebastian Vettel from 2009 to 2014.

His final Red Bull race at Interlagos marked the end of a career spanning the team’s development from its arrival in Formula 1 through its years competing for championships with Vettel and Verstappen.

Why This Matters

Formula 1 teams rely on long-serving mechanics and engineers whose work behind the scenes directly supports race-weekend performance. Schack’s departure represents the end of a significant chapter for Red Bull, as he has been part of the organization since its first season and has worked with multiple generations of its drivers.

The helmet presentation and custom Red Bull can also highlight the close relationships built within a Formula 1 team during years of international travel and competition. Schack’s decision reflects the personal demands of life on the road and his choice to prioritize time with his family after 20 years at Red Bull.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ole Schack?

Ole Schack is a Danish Red Bull mechanic who has been with the team since its first Formula 1 season in 2005. He works as a front-end mechanic on Max Verstappen’s car.

What did Max Verstappen give Ole Schack?

Max Verstappen gave Schack his race helmet, which featured a special design for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.

Why is Ole Schack leaving Red Bull?

Schack is not moving to a rival team. He is stepping away from life on the road because he wants to spend more time at home with his family.