Red Bull Italy SailGP Team have confirmed a major restructuring of its roster for the 2026 season, unveiling Phil Robertson as the team’s new driver and welcoming Jana Germani as strategist.
The move is part of a deliberate performance strategy designed to boost the Italian outfit’s chances of achieving their ultimate goal: to win a Rolex SailGP Championship.
New Zealander Robertson is among SailGP’s most experienced athletes, and returns to the driver’s seat having led the Chinese, Spanish and Canadian teams in Seasons 1, 2 & 3 and 4.
Italy’s Germani joins SailGP off the back of a glittering career on the Olympic dinghy circuit, during which she won five national titles, three World and European medals and represented her country at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Both Robertson and Germani will join the team early, making their debuts at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Their early integration is aimed at sharpening onboard communication and coordination before the 2026 Season begins in Perth in January.
Two-time Olympic champion Ruggero Tita will remain an essential part of the program as an alternate driver, while Maelle Frascari will also continue to be part of the Italian roster.
Red Bull Italy SailGP Team CEO Jimmy Spithill said: “Anytime you can add Olympic, SailGP and World Championship-level talent, it’s 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.”
The news comes after SailGP announced its new Athlete Transfer framework, designed to bring new clarity, structure and long-term stability to athlete movement.
by Will Carson
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