Gianpiero Lambiase Linked With Shock Red Bull Exit as Rival F1 Teams Circle
One of Formula 1’s most influential engineers could be on the move, with reports suggesting that Gianpiero Lambiase is in discussions to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2025 season and join a rival team in 2026.
Lambiase has been a central figure in Red Bull’s modern era of dominance. After joining the Milton Keynes outfit in 2015, he became Max Verstappen’s race engineer in 2016 and has remained by the Dutchman’s side throughout his rise to superstardom. The partnership has delivered extraordinary success, including four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships between 2021 and 2024, as well as multiple constructors’ titles for Red Bull.
In 2022, Lambiase’s responsibilities expanded further when he was promoted to Head of Race Engineering, placing him at the heart of Red Bull’s on-track operations. His calm but firm radio communication with Verstappen has become iconic, symbolising one of the most effective driver-engineer relationships in F1 history.
However, according to a report from Motorsport, Lambiase may be preparing for a new challenge. The British engineer, who has Italian heritage, is believed to be in talks with two teams in particular: Aston Martin and Williams.
Williams: A Project Built on Revival
One potential destination is Williams, a team steeped in F1 history but which has spent much of the past decade struggling at the back of the grid. Recent seasons, however, have shown signs of recovery. Williams enjoyed its strongest campaign since 2017 in 2025, climbing the constructors’ standings and re-establishing itself as a consistent midfield contender.
Sources suggest that Lambiase is intrigued by the idea of helping to rebuild a fallen giant. The challenge of transforming Williams from an underperforming outfit into a genuine title challenger is said to appeal strongly to him, especially given the team’s improving technical structure and long-term ambitions under new leadership.
Such a move would represent a significant shift in Lambiase’s career. Rather than operating within an already dominant organisation, he would take on a key role in shaping a team’s future from the ground up — a prospect that many senior engineers find increasingly attractive later in their careers.
Aston Martin: A Familiar and Ambitious Alternative
The second option on the table is Aston Martin, a team that has been linked with Lambiase for some time. Aston Martin’s long-term vision, heavy investment, and state-of-the-art facilities make it an appealing destination for top engineering talent.
Adding further intrigue is the presence of Adrian Newey, who was recently appointed as Aston Martin’s team principal. Newey previously worked closely with Lambiase during their time together at Red Bull, and that existing professional relationship could play a significant role in any potential move.
Some insiders believe that Lambiase joining Aston Martin could also have wider implications. There is speculation that such a transfer might be part of a longer-term strategy that could eventually open the door for Max Verstappen to consider a move to Aston Martin in the future, possibly as early as 2027. While there is no concrete evidence of this scenario, the connection between Newey, Lambiase, and Verstappen continues to fuel paddock rumours.
Red Bull Facing a Critical Decision
If Lambiase does leave, it would represent one of the most significant personnel losses Red Bull has faced in recent years. The team has already experienced notable changes at senior management and technical levels, and losing Verstappen’s long-time engineer would raise serious questions about continuity and stability.
Replacing the unique chemistry between Verstappen and Lambiase would not be easy. Their relationship has been built over nearly a decade and has proven instrumental in extracting maximum performance under pressure.
For now, Red Bull has not commented publicly on the situation, and Lambiase remains fully committed to his current role. Any decision is expected to be finalised later in 2025 as teams prepare for the major regulation changes coming in 2026.
Whether he chooses the ambitious rebuild at Williams or the star-studded project at Aston Martin, Gianpiero Lambiase’s next move could have a profound impact on Formula 1’s competitive landscape in the years ahead.
