Shock 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 move marks a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape, with Lambiase set to take on the role of Chief Racing Officer at McLaren. The news has sparked speculation about Verstappen's own future in the sport, given his previous statements that he would only continue racing if Lambiase remained his engineer. Lambiase has been Verstappen's sole race engineer since he joined Red Bull in 2016 and has played a crucial role in the team's success. The move is seen as a major coup for McLaren, who have been strengthening their team with key hires in recent years. Red Bull has confirmed that Lambiase will continue in his current role until his contract expires in 2028, at which point he will make the switch to McLaren. The exact timing of the move is still to be determined, but it is expected to take place no later than 2028. This development has significant implications for the future of Formula 1, particularly regarding Verstappen's plans and the dynamics within the Red Bull and McLaren teams.