Max Verstappen’s Renowned F1 Engineer Departs Red Bull Racing
Multiple outlets, including De Telegraaf and Autosport, report that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull after the 2027 season. The British‑Italian engineer is expected to join McLaren in 2028.
Deal details and competition
Sources say McLaren made an “astronomical” offer to secure Lambiase. Reports add he could earn substantially more than his current salary.
McLaren reportedly overcame interest from Aston Martin and Williams to win his signature. Neither McLaren nor Red Bull has publicly commented.
Longstanding partnership with Verstappen
The engineer has worked with Max Verstappen since the driver’s promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2016. Their collaboration is widely regarded as one of Formula 1’s most effective driver‑engineer pairings.
Those reports credit Lambiase with playing a key role in four championship‑winning campaigns alongside Verstappen. The renowned F1 engineer who works with Max Verstappen plans to leave Red Bull Racing after 2027.
Potential impact at McLaren
Reports say Lambiase could assume a senior role at McLaren, possibly even team principal. The speculation follows suggestions Andrea Stella might return to Ferrari in the future.
The move would extend McLaren’s recent hiring trend. The team previously recruited Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay from Red Bull.
Red Bull turnover
Red Bull has seen notable senior departures in recent seasons. Those include Adrian Newey’s move to Aston Martin and Jonathan Wheatley’s transition to Audi.
The team also experienced the dismissal of Christian Horner. Such turnover frames the significance of Lambiase’s reported decision.
Next steps
The timetable places Lambiase at McLaren for the start of 2028. Filmogaz.com notes both teams have yet to offer official statements.
- Engineer: Gianpiero Lambiase
- Current team: Red Bull (departure after 2027)
- Expected new team: McLaren (from 2028)
- Sources: De Telegraaf, Autosport
- Notable hires referenced: Rob Marshall, Will Courtenay
- Other Red Bull changes: Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Christian Horner
