When the grid forms for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, keep an eye on the two Red Bull cars each with an identical twin brother in the No 1 mechanic role. Matt and Jon Caller, both 34, hold key positions in the same team but on opposite sides, with Matt working on Max Verstappen’s car and Jon on Sergio Pérez’s. This rare scenario in Formula One has captured attention, with the twins simultaneously occupying top roles for each driver in the same garage.
The Callers’ journey to this point was never planned. Growing up together, they shared a passion for F1, often watching races with their father. Their early days were marked by friendly competition and a shared love of engineering, which led them both to pursue careers in motorsport. While Matt began his F1 career in 2015, Jon had a successful stint in touring cars and prototypes before being recruited to join Red Bull in 2017. Initially, they worked together on Verstappen’s car, with Matt focused on the rear end and Jon managing the gearbox. Over time, their careers progressed, and they eventually became No 1 mechanics on separate cars for the same team a situation neither of them ever imagined.
“We never dreamed this could happen,” Matt admits. “It’s been a privilege to work with Max Verstappen, and now to both be No 1 mechanics is incredible. We never expected this.”
Their shared journey has included seeing Verstappen’s rise to dominance in F1, which has been a highlight of their careers. “To work with someone as talented as Max and watch him grow, it’s been amazing,” Jon reflects. “He’s such a natural talent, able to adapt and perform at the highest level right from the start. Every weekend he delivers top performance without fail.”
Despite their similarities, the twins have distinctive personalities. Jon describes their relationship as professional now, although they’re still highly competitive, just as they were as children. “We’ve always pushed each other to be better,” he says. “But it’s always in a good-natured way. If one of us wins a race or has success, we’re genuinely happy for each other.”
Their sibling rivalry doesn’t translate into ill will, even though Verstappen’s dominance and Pérez’s struggles have created contrasting challenges. “We always want to win,” Matt explains, “but there’s no bitterness. It’s about healthy competition, and we support each other no matter what.”
The first time the twins felt the true magnitude of their situation was when both were No 1 mechanics at the start of the 2024 season. As they sent their respective cars to the grid, they shared a moment of realization: they had made it. “We just looked at each other, laughed, and said, ‘This is crazy!’” Jon recalls.
Their story is one of unique coincidence and shared dreams, with a deep connection that goes beyond just being brothers. Their ability to remain close while carving out separate paths in a highly competitive environment speaks to their dedication and mutual respect. “It’s a pinch-yourself moment,” Matt admits. “We’re just two lads who love working on race cars, and somehow we’ve ended up in these two positions.”
