Max Verstappen is set to lose a key figure in his corner. Gianpiero Lambiase, his engineer, will leave Red Bull at the end of 2027. He is joining McLaren.
The 45-year-old engineer also serves as head of racing. He has signed a highly lucrative deal.
McLaren Wins Battle for Lambiase
McLaren won the battle for Lambiase ahead of Aston Martin and Williams. A multi-million-pound deal is reportedly awaiting him at McLaren.
McLaren is anticipating possible changes in its leadership structure with this signing. Andrea Stella is highly regarded as team principal. However, he is internally linked to a potential return to Ferrari.
Red Bull Losing Key Personnel
Losing Lambiase means the departure of a crucial link for Max Verstappen. The two have worked together since May 2016. Their partnership resulted in four world titles for Verstappen.
Red Bull has been losing key figures to competitors for years. Lambiase’s departure follows a series of other high-profile exits. Adrian Newey left for Aston Martin.
- Helmut Marko has departed the team.
- Jonathan Wheatley has also left his role as sporting director.
- Christian Horner was dismissed and replaced by Laurent Mekies.
McLaren’s Recruitment Strategy
The move fits into a broader pattern of McLaren systematically recruiting Red Bull personnel. Previously, chief designer Rob Marshall joined the team. Chief strategist Will Courtenay also made the switch and now serves as sporting director.
Red Bull and McLaren are currently declining to comment.
The departure of Lambiase marks a setback for Max Verstappen, who has worked with the engineer since 2016.