Max Verstappen could soon be without one of his most trusted allies, as long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is reportedly preparing to leave Red Bull Racing for a future role with rivals McLaren.
Lambiase, often referred to as “GP,” has been a central figure in Verstappen’s success over the years. Their partnership began in 2016 when Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull, and it quickly developed into one of the most effective driver-engineer pairings in Formula One. Together, they played a crucial role in securing four consecutive world championships from 2021 to 2024, establishing a period of dominance for the team.
The Italian engineer originally joined Red Bull in 2015, working with Daniil Kvyat before transitioning to Verstappen’s side of the garage. Known for his composed but assertive communication style, Lambiase became a familiar voice on team radio, often guiding Verstappen through high-pressure race situations with precision and authority.
His influence within Red Bull continued to grow, and in 2024 he was promoted to Head of Racing. This expanded role saw him take on wider responsibilities across the team’s trackside operations while still maintaining his position as Verstappen’s race engineer—a rare combination in the sport.
However, reports now suggest that Lambiase is set for a new challenge. McLaren are believed to be targeting him for a senior role as they continue to strengthen their structure in pursuit of sustained success. The Woking-based team has made significant progress in recent seasons and appears eager to add experienced leadership to its ranks.
Although a move is expected, the exact timeline remains uncertain. Lambiase is still under contract with Red Bull, meaning any immediate switch is unlikely. Some reports indicate he could join McLaren as early as next year once his deal expires, while others suggest his arrival could be delayed until 2028.
At McLaren, Lambiase is expected to work closely with team principal Andrea Stella in a high-level position. His role would likely involve overseeing race operations and contributing to strategic decision-making, potentially reducing some of the responsibilities currently handled by Stella during race weekends.
If the move goes through, it would mark a significant shift for both teams. Red Bull would lose a key figure behind Verstappen’s success, while McLaren would gain one of the most respected engineers in Formula One as they aim to challenge at the very front.