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

In a surprise announcement, it has been confirmed that Max Verstappen's engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will be leaving Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028. This news was made official by both Red Bull and McLaren in separate statements, with Lambiase set to take on the role of chief racing officer at McLaren. Lambiase, who has been Verstappen's race engineer since 2016, will remain in his current dual role at Red Bull until his contract expires in 2028. This move could have significant implications for Verstappen's own future in the sport, as he has previously stated that he would consider leaving Formula 1 if Lambiase were no longer his engineer. The switch is seen as a major coup for McLaren, who have been strengthening their team in recent years. Lambiase's departure from Red Bull is the latest in a series of high-profile exits from the team, following the likes of Rob Marshall, Will Courtenay, and legendary designer Adrian Newey. The news has raised questions about Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull, particularly given his recent criticisms of the 2026 regulations. Verstappen has a contract with Red Bull until 2028, but has hinted that he may walk away from the sport if certain conditions are not met. Lambiase's move to McLaren is expected to give him a new challenge and the opportunity to work with a different team, while also potentially paving the way for Verstappen to reconsider his own future in the sport.