Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer has suggested that recent developments at Red Bull Racing could signal the beginning of the end for Max Verstappen’s time with the team. According to Palmer, the impending departure of Gianpiero Lambiase—Verstappen’s long-time race engineer—may be a decisive factor that pushes the reigning champion toward an exit, potentially as soon as the end of the current season.
It was recently confirmed that Lambiase will leave Red Bull when his contract expires in 2027, making a surprising switch to McLaren. At McLaren, he is expected to take on a broader leadership role as chief racing officer rather than continuing in his current position as a race engineer. Reports also suggest that the British outfit sees Lambiase as a potential future team principal, indicating their long-term ambitions for him within the organization.
Lambiase has been a crucial figure in Verstappen’s career, having worked with him since the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix. Over the years, the two have built a strong and effective partnership, contributing significantly to Verstappen’s success and dominance in Formula 1. Their close working relationship has often been highlighted as one of the key elements behind Red Bull’s achievements in recent seasons.
Palmer believes that losing such an important ally could deeply impact Verstappen’s connection to the team. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, he explained that Lambiase serves as a vital link between driver and team, helping to maintain cohesion and communication. Without that connection, Palmer feels Verstappen may find it increasingly difficult to remain committed, especially if other issues persist.
Beyond Lambiase’s departure, Palmer also pointed to Red Bull’s current competitive struggles as another major concern. He noted that the team does not appear to have a straightforward path back to the front of the grid, particularly given the number of key personnel who have recently left the organization. This combination of internal changes and on-track challenges could further fuel Verstappen’s dissatisfaction.
In Palmer’s view, all these factors together paint a worrying picture for Red Bull. He suggested that unless the team can present a clear and convincing plan for improvement, along with tangible signs of progress, it is hard to see Verstappen staying beyond the near future. The uncertainty surrounding the team’s direction only adds to speculation about the Dutch driver’s next move.
Ultimately, while nothing has been officially confirmed regarding Verstappen’s future, the situation is becoming increasingly tense. Lambiase’s exit may not be the sole reason for a potential departure, but it certainly adds weight to the growing belief that a major change could be on the horizon for one of Formula 1’s biggest stars.
