Ted Kravitz raises alarm over absent Red Bull figure: 'This isn't usual'

Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz pointed out what he claims is an unusual absence from the Red Bull garage at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Kravitz was referring to Red Bull chief engineer of car engineering Paul Monaghan, who he claims missed his second consecutive race in Sao Paulo on Sunday.

Monaghan has been at Red Bull for over 20 years having joined the team at the end of 2005, and previously had spells working at the likes of McLaren, Renault and Jordan before he made the switch to Milton Keynes.

This isn't the first time that Monaghan has missed races this year, with speculation earlier in the season that he could be set to join the newest team on the grid, Cadillac. However, over the summer, those rumours appeared to go away, with the man affectionately known as 'pedals' having reportedly decided to stay with the team.

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Ted Kravitz highlights unusual Red Bull absence

However, Monaghan's absence in recent weeks has got people talking about him again, with Ted Kravitz highlighting what he claims is an unusual absence from the track.

“Engineer chat. GP [Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase] is still here … still haven't seen Paul Monaghan,” Kravitz said on Ted's Notebook.

“He's kind of the chief engineer. He normally sits in a central console in the garage and sort of barks orders at people.

“He hasn't been here for the last two races; the team say that that was a planned absence. But to miss one race is sort of usual, but to miss two maybe isn’t usual."

Kravitz continued, stating his belief that Monaghan is staying at Red Bull, but touching on the Cadillac reports mentioned above.

“I think he's staying at Red Bull,” Kravitz added.

“Although there were rumours that he was going to Cadillac.

“So I don't really know what's going there, but he'll probably be back for Las Vegas.”

GPFans has contacted Red Bull for comment.

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