A major blow for Red Bull, which is once again set to lose a key figure, with Gianpiero Lambiase having signed a multi-million-pound contract with McLaren.
A significant setback for Max Verstappen is the departure of his long-time engineer Gianpiero Lambiase from Red Bull at the end of 2027, who will join McLaren. The 45-year-old engineer, also the head of racing, has secured a highly lucrative deal with McLaren, which reportedly won the battle for his services over Aston Martin and Williams. McLaren is expecting potential changes in its leadership structure with Lambiase’s arrival, hinting at internal movements involving team principal Andrea Stella. This move is part of McLaren’s strategy to recruit talent from Red Bull, following previous acquisitions like chief designer Rob Marshall and chief strategist Will Courtenay. Losing Lambiase will sever a crucial link for Verstappen, with their successful partnership dating back to 2016, resulting in four world titles for the Dutch driver. The departure of key figures like Lambiase from Red Bull is part of a larger trend, with other high-profile exits to competitors and internal restructuring, while both Red Bull and McLaren are currently refusing to comment on the matter.
