"Lambiase's direct and dynamic character has been described as a strong fit for McLaren's team culture."
Gianpiero Lambiase, the race engineer for Max Verstappen and Head of Racing at Red Bull Racing, is set to join McLaren in 2028 as Chief Racing Officer. The announcement, made public during the April break, follows months of speculation about his departure from Red Bull. McLaren has not commented on questions regarding whether this signing could lead to the future recruitment of driver Max Verstappen.
Confirmed Personnel Change
Lambiase, who has served as Verstappen's race engineer since the driver joined Red Bull in 2016, will leave the team at the end of 2027 after more than a decade with the organization. His role at Red Bull expanded over time, as he was promoted to head of race engineering in 2022 and then to head of racing in late 2024, while continuing to oversee Verstappen's on-track operations. His Formula 1 career began in 2005 with the Jordan team, continuing through its subsequent iterations before joining Red Bull in 2015.
McLaren announced his new title as Chief Racing Officer. Multiple sources reported that Lambiase agreed to a multi-million-pound deal with McLaren, and that his specific role is expected to support team principal Andrea Stella.
Reports from Dutch media initially suggested he might replace Stella, but subsequent information from sources indicates a sideways move to a senior engineering or deputy role.
Stella's position as team principal is understood to remain unchanged, and the addition of Lambiase is intended to reduce Stella's involvement in race operational management, allowing him to focus on broader leadership responsibilities.
Broader Context of Team Departures
Lambiase's departure continues a series of significant personnel changes at Red Bull since early 2024. Other key exiting staff include:
- Chief designer Rob Marshall (moved to McLaren)
- Chief technical officer Adrian Newey (moved to Aston Martin)
- Sporting director Jonathan Wheatley (moved to Audi)
- Sporting director Will Courtenay (moved to McLaren, starting in January 2026)
- Long-time team advisor Helmut Marko
- Former team principal Christian Horner, replaced by Laurent Mekies in July
- Senior administrative staff from Human Resources, Partnerships, Marketing, and Communications
- Ole Schack, Verstappen's long-time front-end mechanic
Red Bull's On-Track Performance
Red Bull has faced challenges during the initial races of the 2026 season under new Formula 1 regulations. The team's new chassis and first in-house engine have performed below expectations. As of the first three races, Max Verstappen is in ninth place in the championship standings, with a best result of sixth place.
Max Verstappen's Future Considerations
Verstappen has expressed questions about his future in Formula 1. His decision is primarily linked to Red Bull's competitiveness, rather than Lambiase's departure. Performance clauses in his contract could allow him to leave Red Bull at the end of the current season if the team's performance does not significantly improve.
His options could include:
- Remaining with Red Bull
- Moving to another F1 team
- Pursuing other motorsport disciplines
Future changes to F1 rules, particularly from 2027—such as potentially increasing the fuel-flow rate of new engines—may also impact Verstappen's decision.
McLaren has been identified as a potential alternative for Verstappen should he decide to leave Red Bull, despite their current driver commitments to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren's Development
McLaren, under the leadership of team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown, has shown significant improvement. The team is addressing internal vulnerabilities, including the workload on Stella. Changes are being implemented, with some, like Lambiase's anticipated arrival, being publicly announced.
Insiders at McLaren indicate that Stella is expected to remain with the team, and Lambiase's addition aims to free Stella from certain aspects of race operational management, allowing him to focus more on leadership responsibilities. At McLaren, Lambiase is anticipated to reunite with former Red Bull colleagues Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay.
Both Red Bull and McLaren have declined to comment on the matter during the period prior to the official announcement.