Lambiase Set to Join McLaren in 2028, Leaving Verstappen's Side

In a surprise move, Gianpiero Lambiase, the long-time engineer of Max Verstappen, is set to leave Red Bull and join McLaren in 2028. The news has been confirmed by both Red Bull and McLaren, with Lambiase taking on the role of chief racing officer at McLaren. This development has significant implications for Verstappen's future in the sport, given the strong bond between the driver and his engineer. Verstappen has previously stated that he would consider leaving Formula 1 if Lambiase were not his engineer, and this move could potentially influence his decision. Until his departure, Lambiase will continue to serve as Verstappen's race engineer and head of racing at Red Bull. The move is seen as a major coup for McLaren, who have been strengthening their team with key hires in recent years. Lambiase's departure from Red Bull is the latest in a series of high-profile exits, following the likes of Adrian Newey, Christian Horner, and Helmut Marko. The partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase has been instrumental in the driver's success, including his four world championship titles. Their straightforward and blunt communication style has been praised by Verstappen, who values Lambiase's ability to speak his mind and provide honest feedback. With Lambiase's move to McLaren, the team is expected to benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge, which could be crucial in their bid to become a championship-winning team. The news has sparked speculation about Verstappen's future, with some wondering if he will follow Lambiase to McLaren or consider leaving the sport altogether. As the 2026 season continues, all eyes will be on Verstappen and his next move, with the Miami Grand Prix marking the next stop on the Formula 1 calendar.