Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has revealed that preparations are already underway to replace his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, marking the beginning of a significant transition within the Red Bull camp.
Lambiase, widely known as “GP” on team radio, has been one of the most influential figures behind Verstappen’s success over the past decade. Their partnership began at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, a race that immediately entered Formula 1 history when Verstappen won on his debut for Red Bull Racing. Since then, the duo have worked together through multiple championship-winning campaigns, becoming one of the most successful driver-engineer combinations in modern Formula 1.
However, that long-standing relationship is set to come to an end. Lambiase has agreed to join McLaren in 2028, bringing an end to a highly successful chapter at Red Bull. While McLaren has not publicly outlined the full details of his future position, team principal Laurent Mekies has confirmed that Lambiase will assume a senior leadership role within the organization. He is also expected to work closely with McLaren team principal Andrea Stella as the team continues to strengthen its management structure.
With Lambiase preparing for a future away from Red Bull, Verstappen acknowledged that the process of identifying a replacement has already started. Speaking about the upcoming change, the Dutch driver explained that several potential candidates are being considered and that some of those names are already part of the existing Red Bull setup.
According to Verstappen, the transition will not happen overnight. Instead, the team plans to approach the situation gradually to ensure continuity and maintain the strong working environment that has contributed to Red Bull’s recent success. The reigning champion indicated that he already has a few individuals in mind whom he believes would be well suited to step into the demanding role of race engineer.
Although discussions are ongoing, Verstappen emphasized that no final decision has yet been made. He suggested that the team still has plenty of time before Lambiase’s departure becomes official, allowing Red Bull to carefully evaluate its options and prepare the next engineer for one of the most important positions on the pit wall.
Verstappen also addressed the unique challenge created by Lambiase’s move to a direct championship rival. As the engineer’s departure approaches, the flow of technical and strategic information between him and the team is expected to change. Verstappen acknowledged that this is a natural part of the process whenever a senior figure is preparing to join a competing organization.
While the partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase still has time remaining, the focus has already begun to shift toward the future. Red Bull now faces the task of replacing one of the most respected engineers in Formula 1, while Verstappen prepares to build a new working relationship with the person who will eventually become his voice on race day.
