Max Verstappen’s Red Bull Future in Doubt as Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase Joins McLaren

Gianpiero Lambiase, the long-time race engineer for four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, is set to leave Red Bull Racing to join McLaren. The move represents a significant shift in the technical landscape of Formula 1, as Lambiase has been a central figure in Verstappen’s career since 2016.

Red Bull Racing confirmed that Lambiase will depart the team in 2028 upon the expiration of his current contract. However, McLaren has indicated that he will join their Woking-based squad no later than 2028, suggesting that the two teams may reach an agreement for an earlier release.

Role and Transition at McLaren

Lambiase will take on the senior position of Chief Racing Officer at McLaren. In this capacity, he will support team principal Andrea Stella, who has led the team to two constructors’ titles and one drivers’ title over the previous two seasons.

The appointment adds Lambiase to a growing group of former Red Bull personnel at McLaren, which already includes sporting director Will Courtenay and chief designer Rob Marshall.

A Decade of Partnership with Verstappen

The partnership between the British-Italian engineer and the Dutch driver began in 2016 when Verstappen was promoted to the Red Bull main team from Toro Rosso. Over the years, the pair developed a close professional and personal bond, characterized by both high-speed success and blunt radio exchanges during races.

Lambiase was a core part of the team during Verstappen’s streak of four consecutive world championships between 2021 and 2024. Beyond his duties as a race engineer, Lambiase expanded his responsibilities at Red Bull starting in 2025, taking on the role of Head of Racing while continuing to manage Verstappen’s race strategy.

Official Team Statements

Red Bull Racing acknowledged the upcoming departure in an official statement, emphasizing Lambiase’s value to the organization since he joined in 2015.

Oracle Red Bull Racing confirms that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team in 2028, when his current contract expires. ‘GP’ is a valued member of the team, which he joined in 2015. Until his planned departure, ‘GP’ continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen.

Oracle Red Bull Racing

The team further stated that both the organization and Lambiase remain fully committed to adding more success to their track record together until his departure.

Impact on Max Verstappen’s Future

The news of Lambiase’s exit has led to increased speculation regarding Max Verstappen’s own future with Red Bull. Given the deep bond and professional synergy between the driver and his engineer, the departure of such a key figure is viewed by some as a factor that could throw the four-time champion’s long-term plans into doubt.

Lambiase’s career in Formula 1 began in 2005 as a data engineer for the Jordan team. He later transitioned into a race engineer role during the team’s period as Force India before moving to Red Bull in 2015, where he initially served as the race engineer for Daniil Kvyat before partnering with Verstappen.