Red Bull Race Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to Join McLaren After 2027 Season

Gianpiero Lambiase, who has served as Max Verstappen's race engineer at Red Bull since 2016, plans to leave the team and join McLaren following the 2027 Formula 1 season. uk of this development. Lambiase's role involves direct communication with Verstappen during races, contributing to the driver's four consecutive world championships from 2021 to 2024.

Red Bull Racing, based in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, has relied on Lambiase's expertise in strategy and performance optimization. The team currently leads the 2024 constructors' championship, with Verstappen securing multiple victories this season.

McLaren, headquartered in Woking, United Kingdom, sits second in the standings and has shown improved competitiveness since introducing upgraded components earlier this year.

joined Red Bull in 2015 after roles at Ferrari and Mercedes in junior formulas.

He became Verstappen's engineer when the Dutch driver moved from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2016. Their partnership has been marked by consistent success, including 61 race wins for Verstappen as of October 2024. The transition to McLaren represents a significant shift for Lambiase, who will bring his experience to a rival team.

Formula 1 regulations allow such moves, provided contracts are honored until their expiration. Red Bull's team principal, Christian Horner, has not commented publicly on the matter as of the latest reports.

Red Bull, Lambiase's departure could affect team dynamics in 2028, particularly if Verstappen remains with the squad amid speculation about his future.

McLaren aims to challenge for titles, and adding an engineer of Lambiase's caliber may strengthen their technical operations. The 2027 season concludes the current engine regulations before a major overhaul in 2026, setting the stage for intensified competition.

Affected parties include Red Bull's engineering staff, who may need to integrate a replacement, and McLaren's drivers, such as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who could benefit from enhanced race support.

Next steps involve official confirmations from the teams, potentially during the off-season after 2027. Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, oversees such personnel changes without specific restrictions on intra-grid moves.