Red Bull engineer closely associated with Max Verstappen set to move to McLaren, according to sources.
Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will depart Red Bull to join McLaren following the conclusion of the 2027 season, sources have informed ESPN.
Lambiase has been associated with the four-time world champion since his debut for Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, where he notably triumphed, becoming the youngest race winner in the sport’s history at the age of 18.
This development will intensify the speculation surrounding Verstappen’s immediate future in F1, as the four-time world champion has strongly suggested he may consider leaving the sport at the end of 2026.
Lambiase’s position has previously been a topic of speculation; sources have indicated to ESPN that he turned down an offer from Aston Martin late last year, but he has now been attracted to McLaren.
Senior sources have verified the transition to ESPN, although both McLaren and Red Bull have yet to provide official statements.
Sources have indicated to ESPN that Lambiase will join McLaren upon the completion of his current Red Bull contract at the end of 2027, taking on a yet-to-be-defined senior management role alongside current McLaren team principal Andrea Stella.
As is common with F1 contracts, negotiations may occur between the teams to facilitate an earlier transition, potentially allowing him to start sooner.
This surprising news emerges amid increasing speculation regarding Verstappen’s future beyond this season.
The four-time world champion has expressed growing dissatisfaction with F1’s contentious new cars, which he has described as “anti-racing,” comparing them to Formula E “on steroids” and Mario Kart.
After the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen conveyed to the BBC that he was seriously contemplating stepping away at the end of the year, and many sources within the paddock close to him have informed ESPN that this possibility seems more likely at present.
His current negative sentiment has been exacerbated by Red Bull’s uncompetitive start as a fully-fledged engine manufacturer; the team has initiated its own engine project for the first time in 2026 but has found itself significantly off the pace compared to the usual ‘Big Four’ competitors Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Verstappen’s contract extends until 2028, but sources have indicated to ESPN that there are clauses within his agreement that could enable him to exit before then.
The Dutch driver is set to compete in the Nurburgring 24 Hours later this year and has frequently expressed his interest in racing in other series beyond F1.
In addition to amplifying speculation about Verstappen, Lambiase’s departure will signify another significant setback for the Red Bull team, which has dominated the early part of the current decade.
Most of the key personnel behind that championship successβfour drivers’ and three constructors’ titlesβhave departed.
Team principal Christian Horner was dismissed last July, a year after design icon Adrian Newey and long-time sporting director Jonathan Wheatley left for Aston Martin and Audi, respectively.
Long-serving racing advisor Helmut Marko, known as the godfather of the team’s driver academy, also exited the team at the end of 2025.
Lambiase’s new team, McLaren, has recruited several other significant figures over the past year.
Former Red Bull designer Rob Marshall has been instrumental in McLaren’s recent achievements, with his cars securing back-to-back constructors’ championships in 2024 and 2025βthe latter also saw Lando Norris claim McLaren’s first drivers’ title since 2008.
Red Bull’s former head of strategy Will Courtenay began his role as sporting director at McLaren this year following a prolonged standoff between the two teams regarding contracts.
Source: espn.com
