Red Bull Italy has confirmed a sweeping reshuffle to its SailGP line up, naming New Zealande3r Phil Robertson as the team’s new driver and bringing Italian Olympian Jana Germani aboard as strategist ahead of the 2026 season.
The announcement follows a turbulent 2025 campaign in which Italy sits in tenth place with just one event to run. Tito Ruggerio remains alternate driver through the final round but change occurs immediately.
Robertson, one of the league’s most seasoned hands, has spent the 2025 season in the commentary booth providing expert analysis for the SailGP+ platform. He also stepped back into the coaching fold earlier in the year, supporting the German team at the KPMG Australia event in February. His return to the wheel marks a full circle moment for the Kiwi sailor, who has previously led the Chinese, Spanish, and Canadian teams through Seasons 1 through 4.
His arrival means Ruggero Tita, Italy’s two time Olympic champion, will shift into an alternate driver role for 2026. Strategist Maelle Frascari will also remain part of the roster, though it was confirmed last November that she would step back from her frontline strategist role.
Germani joins with an impressive Olympic dinghy record, including five national titles, three world and European medals, and a Paris 2024 campaign. Her move into SailGP marks the continuation of Red Bull Italy’s push to add elite Olympic talent to its ranks.
Both Robertson and Germani will make their debuts at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, the Season Grand Final for 2025. The team is treating Abu Dhabi as a shakedown for 2026, using the event to sharpen communication on board before the new season begins in Perth in January.
Red Bull Italy CEO Jimmy Spithill said the new look roster represents a serious step forward.
“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 stepping in, Italy gains one of the most experienced match racing minds in the league. With Germani and Frascari on board, and Tita staying involved, the team has signalled a clear desire to reset, rebuild and push for a future run at the Rolex SailGP Championship.
