Lambiase to Leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028

Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's longtime engineer, will join McLaren in 2028, marking a significant shift from Red Bull. The move, confirmed by both teams, will see Lambiase take on the role of chief racing officer. Lambiase's departure from Red Bull, where he has been Verstappen's race engineer since 2016, could have implications for the driver's own future in the sport. Verstappen has previously stated that he would only continue racing if Lambiase remained his engineer. The highly respected engineer's move to McLaren is seen as a major coup for the team, which has been bolstering its ranks with key hires, including Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay. Lambiase's relationship with Verstappen has been described as pivotal, with the two sharing a blunt and straightforward communication style that has contributed to their success. The news has raised questions about Verstappen's commitment to Red Bull, particularly given his recent criticisms of F1's 2026 regulations and his contract, which runs until 2028. As Lambiase prepares to leave Red Bull, the team has assured that he will continue in his dual role until his planned departure, focusing on adding to the team's strong track record.