Lambiase to Leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028, Sparking Verstappen's Future Uncertainty

In a surprise move, Max Verstappen's long-time engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will join McLaren in 2028, leaving Red Bull after his contract expires. The news has significant implications for Verstappen's future in the sport, given their close working relationship. Lambiase, who has been Verstappen's sole race engineer since 2016, will assume the role of chief racing officer at McLaren. Red Bull confirmed Lambiase's departure, stating he will continue in his dual role until 2028. Verstappen has previously expressed his reliance on Lambiase, suggesting he might walk away from F1 if they are no longer working together. The move is seen as a significant gain for McLaren, who have been bolstering their team with key hires, including Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay. The development adds to speculation about Verstappen's future, particularly after his criticism of F1's 2026 regulations and his contract with Red Bull until 2028. Lambiase's relationship with Verstappen is characterized by straightforward communication, which the driver values. The engineer's departure from Red Bull follows other key figures, including legendary designer Adrian Newey and team principal Christian Horner. As F1 returns with the Miami Grand Prix, the news has sparked questions about Verstappen's commitment to the sport and his potential next steps.