Drama as Red Bull Engineer is now in ‘ongoing’ talks with Aston Martin rivals amid Red Bull’s Exit
Gianpiero Lambiase is at the centre of growing Formula 1 speculation, with reports suggesting the long-serving Red Bull engineer is now engaged in “ongoing” discussions with rival teams, as uncertainty continues to swirl around his future in Milton Keynes.
Lambiase, one of the most recognisable figures on the pit wall thanks to his close working relationship with Max Verstappen, has been linked with a potential move to Aston Martin in recent days. However, fresh rumours indicate that the Silverstone-based outfit may not be the only team monitoring his availability, with at least one other rival believed to be exploring the possibility of securing his services.
Having spent two decades working in Formula 1, Lambiase has built a reputation as one of the most respected engineers in the paddock. He joined Red Bull in 2015 and quickly became an integral part of Verstappen’s rise to the top of the sport. Over the past decade, his calm authority on the radio and his ability to manage high-pressure situations have been key elements in Red Bull’s success, helping Verstappen claim multiple world championships and cement his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The 2025 season, however, proved to be one of the most challenging periods of Lambiase’s career. For the first time since joining Red Bull, he missed several races during the campaign for personal reasons, with former Daniel Ricciardo race engineer Simon Rennie stepping in as his temporary replacement. While Red Bull managed to maintain competitiveness, Lambiase’s absence was keenly felt, underlining just how important his role had become within the team.
As the season progressed, pressure mounted both on and off the track. Verstappen ultimately fell just two points short of securing a fifth consecutive drivers’ championship, a narrow defeat that visibly took its toll on those closest to him. Lambiase appeared particularly emotional following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reflecting the strain of a year filled with intense competition, internal change, and personal challenges.
Adding further intrigue to the situation, it has emerged that Lambiase recently informed Red Bull that he would not be attending races during the 2026 season. While the reasons behind this decision have not been fully disclosed, the move was expected to trigger significant structural changes within the team regardless of whether he officially departed. In a sport where continuity and stability are often decisive factors, such a development has inevitably raised questions about Red Bull’s long-term plans.
The timing of these rumours is especially significant for Red Bull, coming shortly after the high-profile exit of Helmut Marko. Losing another senior and influential figure so soon would represent a major shift for the team, reinforcing the sense that a new era is beginning at Milton Keynes. For Verstappen in particular, the prospect of losing Lambiase would be a heavy blow. Their partnership has been one of the most successful driver–engineer relationships in modern F1, built on mutual trust, honesty, and an unfiltered approach that has become iconic among fans.
Rival teams are acutely aware of Lambiase’s value. Aston Martin’s reported interest is hardly surprising, as the team continues to strengthen its technical leadership in pursuit of championship contention. However, the suggestion that additional teams are now in discussions highlights just how highly regarded he is across the grid. An engineer with Lambiase’s experience, leadership, and proven ability to deliver results alongside a top driver would be a rare acquisition.
For now, Red Bull remain silent on the situation, and Lambiase himself has not publicly commented on the speculation. What is clear, though, is that his future has become one of the most intriguing off-track storylines as Formula 1 looks ahead to a transformative period, with new regulations and shifting power dynamics on the horizon.
Whether Lambiase ultimately stays with Red Bull in a revised role or embarks on a new chapter with a rival team, his next move could have far-reaching consequences. In a paddock defined by marginal gains, the potential departure of such a pivotal figure would not just reshape Red Bull’s internal structure, but also alter the competitive landscape of Formula 1 as a whole.
