Max Verstappen suffers new large blow as race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase ‘to affix rivals’

Max Verstappen’s miserable start to the Formula 1 season has taken another blow with reports his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull and join McLaren.

Lambiase has been the four-time world champion’s right-hand man through his rise and dominance in the sport. However, it’s reported one of Red Bull’s most influential engineers will leave the team at the end of the 2027 season, when his contract with the Milton Keynes team expires.

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Lambiase has accepted an “astronomical offer” from McLaren to start working with the team in 2028. Lambiase will have the chance to work alongside Lando Norris after the Woking-based team beat Aston Martin and Williams to his signature.

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Verstappen paid tribute to Lambiase at the end of last season, saying he felt “very proud” to work with his close friend after an “emotional year”.

Speaking after the season-finale race in Abu Dhabi last season, where Verstappen missed out on an extraordinary championship comeback by just two points, the Dutchman lauded his race engineer.

He said: “Forget about the results this year. I also don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough. But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate.

“Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend. We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements. I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag. So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him. I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good. A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times.”

The two have become one of F1’s best double acts thanks to Lambiase’s calm and often witty replies to Verstappen’s outbursts of rage over the team radio.

Lambiase would be set to reunite with chief designer Rob Marshall and chief strategist Will Courtenay, who both swapped Red Bull for McLaren in recent years. The 45-year-old’s exit would be the latest in an exodus of influential Red Bull personnel to leave.

Verstappen’s future also remains unclear as the 28-year-old has teased retirement after making clear his unhappiness with the new regulations and cars for 2026.

Speaking to the BBC, Verstappen said after the Japanese Grand Prix: “That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately I’m very happy, you also wait for 24 races, this time it’s 22 but normally 24.

“And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”