Will Courtenay is one of the most successful strategic minds in modern Formula One. Best known for his long tenure as Head of Race Strategy at Red Bull Racing, Will played a central role in one of the most dominant periods in the sport’s history. During his time leading strategy, the team secured six Constructors’ Championships and eight Drivers’ Championships, including four titles with Sebastian Vettel and four with Max Verstappen. His ability to translate complex data into decisive race-winning calls under intense pressure has made him widely respected across the sport. As a motivational speaker, Will shares the lessons behind these achievements, explaining how elite teams consistently perform at the highest level. Event organisers hire him to provide insight into winning cultures, strategic thinking and how marginal gains can turn strong teams into champions.
Will’s credibility as a speaker is rooted in a career built on technical excellence and constant development. He holds a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Cambridge and began his career in engineering roles at TRW Ltd, where he worked in vehicle dynamics, software programming and systems engineering. In 2003, he moved into Formula One with Jaguar Racing before joining Red Bull Racing in 2005 as a strategy engineer. Over the following years, he progressed to senior analyst and ultimately Head of Race Strategy in 2010. In 2026, he became Sporting Director at McLaren Racing. Each stage of his career reflects the importance of continuous learning, innovation and teamwork, themes he regularly connects to leadership and performance when speaking to business audiences.
Will’s expertise has also led to numerous media appearances where he explains the strategic and technical side of Formula One. He has been interviewed by Autosport, featured in the Oracle Strategy Guide and invited to speak on the Talking Bull podcast and The Inside Track podcast. He has also appeared as a guest speaker for Thatcham Research. In these appearances, he discusses how data-driven decision-making, leadership and teamwork shape success in high-pressure environments. These insights form the foundation of his speaking engagements, where he explains how organisations can build high-performing teams, maintain consistent levels of performance and make fast-paced decisions when the stakes are high.
As a motivational speaker, Will Courtenay combines world-class Formula One experience with practical lessons for organisations seeking a competitive advantage. His career demonstrates what it takes to achieve peak performance, manage high performers and create a culture built around constant improvement. Through stories from championship-winning seasons and the high-pressure environment of Formula One, Will delivers clear lessons on strategy, teamwork and leadership that help audiences understand what separates great teams from good teams.
