Red Bull questioned after Gianpiero Lambiase joins McLaren in shock move Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull to join McLaren as chief racing officer has sparked speculation about the future of the Formula 1 team and its star driver, Max Verstappen. The Milton Keynes-based squad confirmed earlier this week that Lambiase, who has served as Verstappen’s race engineer since 2021, will leave the team in 2028. McLaren’s announcement followed swiftly, confirming Lambiase’s appointment as its new chief racing officer. The move has raised questions about Red Bull’s internal dynamics and its ability to retain key personnel, particularly as the team struggles with its performance in the 2026 season. Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya, who has been vocal about Red Bull’s challenges, weighed in on the situation, suggesting the team could have matched McLaren’s offer to Lambiase. Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya remarked, “It is interesting because he will now have a more important role than he had or could have had at Red Bull. It’s also a role that Red Bull could have known he could have gotten elsewhere.” He added, “I don’t know for sure, but when I look at all he has achieved, I personally think it is a role that Red Bull certainly could have given him as well.” Montoya’s comments highlight the growing perception that Red Bull may be losing critical talent to rival teams. Lambiase’s exit has intensified uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s long-term future at Red Bull. The Dutch driver, who has been a cornerstone of the team’s success since joining in 2016, has faced mounting pressure as Red Bull’s performance in the opening three rounds of the 2026 season has been lackluster. Montoya has warned that if the team fails to improve its competitiveness, Verstappen may seek an exit. “Look at Mercedes.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #juan_pablo_montoya #gianpiero_lambiase
Lambiase's Shock McLaren Move Isn't About Verstappen's Future Gianpiero Lambiase’s decision to leave Red Bull for McLaren has sparked widespread speculation, particularly regarding its potential impact on Max Verstappen’s future in Formula 1. However, the move appears to be more about Lambiase’s personal career ambitions than Verstappen’s immediate plans. While the timing of the transition has naturally drawn attention to Verstappen’s potential departure from the sport, the details of Lambiase’s transition suggest a strategic shift rather than a direct consequence of Verstappen’s decisions. Lambiase, who has been Verstappen’s race engineer since 2019, is not leaving Red Bull immediately. His current contract with the team extends through the 2028 season, and he is expected to remain with the team for at least two more years. Verstappen, meanwhile, is still under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, meaning their collaboration could continue well beyond the current timeline. This raises questions about the relevance of Lambiase’s potential departure to Verstappen’s future, especially since the driver has not yet confirmed whether he will continue in Formula 1 beyond this season. The coordination between Red Bull and McLaren in announcing Lambiase’s move has further fueled speculation. Both teams have emphasized that Lambiase’s transition to McLaren’s chief racing officer role is contingent on the conclusion of his existing contract, which is set to end no later than 2028. However, this phrasing may be a negotiating tactic. If an agreement is reached for Lambiase to join McLaren earlier than 2028, it would not be unusual for him to begin his gardening leave immediately after the transition.#red_bull #mclaren #max_verstappen #gianpiero_lambiase #andrea_stella
