Red Bull Italy has confirmed a major shake-up to its SailGP roster, appointing New Zealander Phil Robertson as driver and bringing Italian Olympian Jana Germani aboard as strategist for the 2026 season.
The announcement follows a difficult 2025 campaign in which the team sits tenth with just one event remaining. Tito Ruggerio continues as alternate driver through the final round, though the broader changes take effect immediately.
Robertson ranks among the most experienced figures in the SailGP paddock. Throughout 2025 he has served as an expert analyst for the SailGP+ commentary team, and earlier in the year he returned to coaching, supporting the German team at the KPMG Australia event in February. Stepping back to the helm is a full-circle moment for the Kiwi sailor, who previously skippered the Chinese, Spanish, and Canadian teams across Seasons 1 through 4.
His appointment reshapes the rest of the squad. Ruggero Tita, Italy's two-time Olympic champion, moves into an alternate driver role for 2026, while strategist Maelle Frascari remains on the roster. Her reduced frontline involvement had already been signalled when it was confirmed last November that she would step back from her frontline strategist duties.
Germani brings a strong Olympic dinghy background to the programme. Her record includes five national titles, three world and European medals, and a Paris 2024 campaign. Her arrival reflects Red Bull Italy's continuing push to bring elite Olympic talent into its SailGP set-up.
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Robertson and Germani will make their debuts together at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, the Season Grand Final for 2025. The team is treating Abu Dhabi largely as preparation for the year ahead, using the event to sharpen on-board communication before the 2026 campaign opens in Perth in January.
Red Bull Italy CEO Jimmy Spithill was direct about what the new line-up means for the programme.
"Anytime you can add Olympic, SailGP and World Championship level talent, it is a great day for the team. Having both Jana and Phil join Ruggi and Maelle on our roster really puts the team in a strong position looking at the seasons ahead."
With Robertson's match racing experience now at the helm, and Germani and Frascari providing strategic depth alongside Tita's continued involvement, Red Bull Italy has made its intentions plain. The team has its sights set on a genuine tilt at the Rolex SailGP Championship in the seasons ahead.
