Red Bull Prepare New Race Engineer for Max Verstappen Amid Lambiase Exit Talks
Red Bull Racing could be heading for another significant internal shake-up ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Max Verstappen potentially set to work with a new race engineer for the first time in his Red Bull career. Long-time engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is currently in discussions over a possible departure from the Milton Keynes squad, prompting Red Bull to quietly put contingency plans in place.
Lambiase, widely known in the paddock as “GP,” has been a central figure in Verstappen’s rise to dominance in Formula 1. Since pairing up with the Dutch driver in 2016, the British-Italian engineer has overseen every major milestone of Verstappen’s Red Bull journey, including four world championships and dozens of race victories. Their on-track communication and mutual trust have often been cited as one of the strongest driver-engineer partnerships in modern F1.
However, Red Bull’s recent period of instability has raised concerns about further departures. Over the past year, the team has already lost several influential figures, including legendary designer Adrian Newey, long-standing team principal Christian Horner, and chief advisor Helmut Marko. The potential loss of Lambiase would represent yet another blow to the core structure that supported Verstappen’s success.
Reports suggest that Lambiase is in advanced talks with Aston Martin over a major role within the Silverstone-based organisation from 2026 onward. The 45-year-old is believed to be under consideration for a senior management position, possibly even a CEO role, as Aston Martin continue their aggressive push to establish themselves as championship contenders.
Red Bull are said to be deeply concerned about the prospect of losing Lambiase, particularly given the timing. Formula 1 will introduce sweeping regulation changes in 2026, and Verstappen adapting to a new technical era without his trusted engineer could present serious challenges. The Verstappen-Lambiase relationship has been finely tuned over nearly a decade, and replacing that level of understanding will not be straightforward.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Lambiase’s future, Red Bull have already identified a successor should he leave. Simon Rennie, a highly experienced engineer within the Red Bull setup, has reportedly been earmarked as Verstappen’s next race engineer. Rennie is no stranger to top-level F1 operations, having previously worked with Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon during his earlier stints as a race engineer.
While Rennie is regarded as a safe and capable option, many within the paddock believe the transition would still represent a major adjustment for Verstappen. The Dutch driver is known for demanding precision and clarity over the radio, and Lambiase’s calm but authoritative approach has often been key to managing high-pressure race situations.
Adding another layer of intrigue, speculation has grown among fans that Aston Martin’s interest in Lambiase could be part of a broader strategy to lure Verstappen away from Red Bull. Lawrence Stroll has made no secret of his ambition, and reports indicate that Verstappen has already been offered a lucrative long-term contract to join the team in the future. While no deal has materialised, the possibility remains a topic of intense debate.
At present, it is unclear whether Lambiase will ultimately leave Red Bull. However, even if he decides to remain with the team, his role is expected to change significantly. Sources suggest that Lambiase will not attend any races during the 2026 season, meaning Verstappen will almost certainly be paired with a new race engineer regardless of the final outcome.
For Red Bull, the situation represents yet another test during a period of transition. For Verstappen, it could mark the end of an era that has defined much of his Formula 1 career. Whether the change proves disruptive or manageable may play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of the sport as F1 heads into a bold new regulatory chapter.
