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Gianpiero Lambiase Reportedly Set to Join McLaren by 2028

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Gianpiero Lambiase Reportedly Joins McLaren from Red Bull Racing

Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's long-serving race engineer and Red Bull's head of racing, is reportedly preparing to depart Red Bull Racing and join McLaren. The move is anticipated to occur by 2028, with various sources indicating a multi-million-pound agreement. This reported transfer follows a series of other significant personnel changes at Red Bull and coincides with the team's performance challenges in the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Reported Move to McLaren

Reports from Dutch media outlets, including De Limburger and De Telegraaf, corroborated by sources to RacingNews365 and PlanetF1.com, indicate Gianpiero Lambiase's departure from Red Bull. Lambiase, who currently serves as Max Verstappen's race engineer and Red Bull's head of racing, is reportedly set to join McLaren.

Sources suggest that Lambiase's current contract with Red Bull may extend until 2028, with his transition to McLaren potentially occurring by the end of 2027 or by 2028. He is understood to have agreed to a multi-million-pound deal with the Woking-based team.

While initial reports speculated about Lambiase potentially replacing Andrea Stella as McLaren's team principal, subsequent information from sources indicates he is expected to take a senior race engineering or deputy role, supporting Stella. This move is reportedly intended to allow Stella to focus more on broader leadership responsibilities by reducing his involvement in race operational management. McLaren's team principal position is understood to remain with Stella.

Both Red Bull and McLaren have declined to comment on the matter.

Lambiase's Background and Red Bull Personnel Changes

Lambiase began his Formula 1 career in 2005 with Jordan, continuing through its various iterations before joining Red Bull in 2015. He has worked with Max Verstappen as his race engineer since May 2016, a partnership that has resulted in four F1 titles. He was promoted to head of race engineering in 2022 and then to head of racing in late 2024, continuing to oversee Verstappen's on-track operations.

Lambiase's reported departure is one of several significant personnel movements from Red Bull Racing in recent times. Since early 2024, key individuals who have departed or are reported to be departing include:

  • Adrian Newey (to Aston Martin)
  • Jonathan Wheatley (to Audi)
  • Rob Marshall (as chief designer to McLaren)
  • Will Courtenay (as sporting director to McLaren, commenced January 2026)
  • Former team principal Christian Horner
  • Former top advisor Helmut Marko
  • Ole Schack (Verstappen's long-time front-end mechanic)
  • Directors from Human Resources, Partnerships, Marketing, and Communications

Laurent Mekies assumed the role of new team principal for Red Bull in July.

Red Bull's 2026 Performance and Max Verstappen's Future

Red Bull has reportedly faced challenges during the initial races of the 2026 Formula 1 season under new regulations. The team's new chassis and first in-house engine have been reported to perform below expectations. Max Verstappen is currently ninth in the championship standings, with a best result of sixth place in the initial three races.

Verstappen has raised questions about his future in F1, stating that his decision is primarily influenced by Red Bull's competitiveness. Performance clauses in his contract reportedly allow him to leave the team at the end of the current season if performance does not significantly improve. His options could include remaining with Red Bull, moving to another F1 team, or pursuing other motorsport disciplines. Potential future changes to F1 rules, such as modifications to the fuel-flow rate for new engines from 2027, may also influence his decisions.

Lambiase's reported move is not expected to directly influence Max Verstappen's future career decisions.

McLaren's Strategic Development

McLaren has shown significant progress under the leadership of team principal Andrea Stella and CEO Zak Brown. The team is reportedly addressing internal vulnerabilities, including the workload on Stella.

Lambiase is anticipated to reunite with former Red Bull colleagues Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay at McLaren. His direct and dynamic character is considered a fit for McLaren's stated culture of openness and mutual support. The team's strategic planning, including anticipated personnel additions like Lambiase, aims to enhance its structure and leadership capabilities.