Max Verstappen’s charge from 21st to second wasn’t the only thing Red Bull will remember from Interlagos. The four-time Formula 1 champion gave his race helmet to long-serving Red Bull mechanic Ole Schack, who took part in his final race for the Milton Keynes outfit at Interlagos. Schack has been with Red Bull since its first season in 2005 and works on Verstappen’s car as a front-end mechanic.
Verstappen has never hidden what the Dane means to him. “He’s unbelievable. If I speak about a mechanic and how I want him to be, I think it’s him,” the Dutchman told Viaplay, calling Schack a very passionate mechanic who has given a great deal to the team.
Schack sounded more grateful than sad in comments made to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf: “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 realize how much I owe Red Bull.”
Footage of Verstappen handing Schack the helmet, which featured a special design for the Brazilian Grand Prix, was shared on social media. Red Bull added its own gift, too: a one-off can of Red Bull, which features a list of his career statistics. Fans noticed the embrace as much as the gift, with one writing, “What a good hug too. Good for them.”
From Coulthard and Vettel to Max Verstappen
Schack’s career at Red Bull goes back further than anyone else’s in the garage. Before working with Verstappen, he worked as a Red Bull mechanic for David Coulthard from 2005 to 2008 and Sebastian Vettel from 2009 to 2014.
He missed only a few Grands Prix in all that time, and only during the COVID years, when he was barred from traveling more than once as a close contact of an infected person.
Reports first surfaced in April that he had decided to leave, citing a change in “atmosphere” at the team. But he isn’t joining a rival. “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,” he told De Telegraaf.
Why Brazil Was the Right Place to Say Goodbye
Interlagos served as the perfect end to Schack’s Red Bull story. Talking to De Telegraaf in 2025, Schack named his favorite memory with Verstappen: “Naturally, victories and championships are enormous highlights, but I also immediately think of the race in Brazil in 2016.” That one was a rain race.
He’s also watched the man behind the visor up close. “Max is an incredibly relaxed guy when he’s not in the car. He enjoys having a laugh and is great to be around,” Schack said. “He has the mental strength to joke around and, as soon as he puts on the helmet, be fully turned on.”
On Sunday, Verstappen put the helmet on one more time for Schack. Starting 21st after an engine change, he passed 10 cars on the opening lap and finished second behind Lando Norris, while Isack Hadjar completed a Red Bull double podium.
Schack once summed up his job simply: “I always do the same thing, everywhere and every week.” Now he’s heading home to Denmark, and for the first time in more than 20 years, his time belongs to his family.
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