Max Verstappen comments on Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure: ‘It would be unwise not to consider that’
Max Verstappen mentioned that race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase sought his approval to transition to McLaren prior to making the choice.
Last week, McLaren announced that Lambiase, who is presently Red Bull’s head of race engineering, will take on the role of chief racing officer by at least 2028.
His contract with Red Bull extends until the conclusion of 2027.
Lambiase is more commonly recognized by F1 enthusiasts as ‘GP’ due to his extensive tenure as Verstappen’s race engineer and the voice behind the four-time world champion’s radio communications since his Red Bull debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand PrixβVerstappen has secured all four of his world titles and 71 F1 race wins since this collaboration began.
During a Viaplay event in Amsterdam this week, Verstappen expressed that he supported Lambiase in making the transition.
“He informed me about the kind of offer he received,” Verstappen stated. “I told him: you would be foolish not to take that. We have accomplished everything together already. And then he receives such an excellent offer, considering his family and the security it would provide him.
“He sought my sort of permission, and I told him he definitely needed to pursue it. He genuinely wanted to hear that from me.”
The exact timing of Lambiase’s exit was uncertain when the announcement was made last week.
Red Bull indicated he would depart the team in 2028, although senior sources informed ESPN that McLaren is aiming to negotiate an earlier transition.
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Lambiase’s forthcoming exit coincides with increasing speculation regarding Verstappen’s own future in F1.
The Dutch driver has become progressively frustrated with Formula 1’s new approach to battery-powered racing and has openly discussed his thoughts on potentially exiting the sport early.
While many viewed Lambiase’s impending departure as additional motivation for him to leave, Verstappen’s father Jos has since minimized the notion of his son departing at the end of 2026.
“I believe circumstances have shifted [since 2021],” he told Racexpress last week. “Especially after achieving four championships, you have accomplished a great deal together. The last one is up to Max, but I just think he will carry on.”
Formula 1 teams are scheduled to convene with CEO Stefano Domenicali and key figures from the governing FIA to discuss potential rule adjustments ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 3.
The new F1 cars, which feature an almost equal distribution between combustion and electric power, have faced significant criticism from current drivers.
Verstappen has described the current vehicles as “anti-racing” and likened the new Formula 1 to Mario Kart.
Source: espn.com
