P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen to lose right-hand man to F1 rival McLaren bombshell report claims
Race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s right-hand man, is reportedly leaving Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028, with an “astronomical offer” tempting him, as per Dutch reports.
Although Lambiase was rumored to be courted by Aston Martin and Williams, McLaren secured his services in what is seen as a significant victory.
McLaren, the reigning world champions, offered Lambiase a substantial salary increase after their historic world championship double success in 2025.
Rumors suggest that Lambiase could potentially succeed Andrea Stella as McLaren team principal, as Stella is rumored to be considering a return to Ferrari.
The situation is developing, and updates are expected to follow as the dust settles on this surprising development in the Formula 1 landscape.
