Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is once again facing speculation about his future, as rumors swirl that his longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase might depart Red Bull Racing for McLaren by the end of 2027. The potential exit of Lambiase, a close ally of Verstappen, has cast doubts on the Dutchman’s ongoing commitment to the team.
This development comes amidst significant changes at Red Bull, with several prominent figures already leaving the team, reshaping its structure.
Lambiase, who has been part of Red Bull since 2014 and has been Verstappen’s race engineer and Head of Racing, has reportedly received a lucrative offer from McLaren that surpasses his current contract, valid until 2027, according to reports from Dutch outlet De Limburger.
Verstappen previously emphasized the importance of his partnership with Lambiase, stating, “I have said to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too.”
Red Bull has experienced a series of major exits in the past 18 months, including influential figures like Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Christian Horner, and Helmut Marko. These departures have contributed to concerns about the team’s stability and competitiveness in the long run.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull is now under scrutiny, especially with the looming regulatory changes in Formula 1 scheduled for 2026, such as a 50-50 power unit split and other technical modifications. With internal shifts at Red Bull and changing dynamics in the sport, speculations persist about whether Verstappen might explore other options or even contemplate leaving Formula One altogether.