Shock Move: Verstappen's Engineer Lambiase to Join McLaren in 2028

In a stunning development, Red Bull's highly respected engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will be joining McLaren in 2028. This move has raised questions about the future of Max Verstappen, who has previously stated that he would leave Formula 1 if Lambiase were not his engineer. Lambiase, who has been Verstappen's race engineer since 2016, will take on the role of chief racing officer at McLaren, a position that will support the team's leadership and strengthen its technical expertise. The news was confirmed by both Red Bull and McLaren, with Red Bull stating that Lambiase will continue in his current role until his contract expires in 2028. Verstappen has consistently praised Lambiase's straightforward and clear communication style, which has been a key factor in their successful partnership. The move is seen as a significant gain for McLaren, which has been bolstering its technical team in recent years. It remains to be seen how this development will impact Verstappen's future in the sport, given his close relationship with Lambiase and his recent criticism of F1's 2026 regulations.