Max Verstappen's tough present in Formula 1 adds another blow off the track: Ginapiero Lambiase, his historic engineer, will leave Red Bull in 2028 to join McLaren. His departure, confirmed by both teams, marks the end of a partnership that began in 2016, when the Dutchman made his debut with the
first team.
Currently, in addition to being the Dutchman's track engineer, Lambiase holds the role of race manager within Red Bull, a position he will continue to play until his departure. The energy drinks team highlighted their contribution and assured that both parties are committed to continuing to achieve success until the end of the relationship
.
In this way, the British engineer will begin a new phase at McLaren as Chief Racing Officer, working under the orbit of Andrea Stella, who will continue as team leader but will leave those operational functions.
Through a statement informing about its incorporation, the team highlighted that its arrival is part of a strategy to reinforce the technical structure and consolidate itself “as a championship-winning team”. At the same time, he also highlighted his ability to attract first-rate talent alongside names like Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay
.
The departure of Lambiase takes place in a complex context for Red Bull, which in recent years has also suffered the departure of key figures within its structure, such as that of Christian Horner. For Verstappen, the news implies the loss of a fundamental ally within the team. The relationship between the two transcended the professional aspect and was reflected in numerous radio communications, where they showed a direct dynamic and unusual trust in the
category.
With this move, McLaren continues to strengthen its long-term sports project, while Red Bull faces another challenge in its internal reconfiguration in the midst of a present far from the top.
