Red Bull Face Potential Setback as Key Verstappen Ally Linked to Exit While Ford Acknowledge 2026 Concerns
Red Bull Racing could be facing fresh uncertainty ahead of Formula 1’s major 2026 regulation overhaul, with reports suggesting that one of Max Verstappen’s most trusted allies is considering a shock move away from the team. At the same time, Red Bull’s new engine partner Ford has openly admitted to feeling a degree of apprehension as preparations intensify for their highly anticipated return to the sport.
Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, has been linked with a possible switch to Aston Martin after nearly a decade at Red Bull. Lambiase has worked alongside the Dutch driver since 2016 and has played a central role in Verstappen’s rise to the top of Formula 1, including his four consecutive world championship titles between 2021 and 2024.
Often referred to simply as “GP” on team radio, Lambiase has become synonymous with Verstappen’s on-track success. His calm authority, sharp strategic calls, and deep understanding of Verstappen’s driving style have been widely credited as key elements behind Red Bull’s dominant years. Any potential departure would therefore represent a significant loss for the Milton Keynes-based team at a critical moment in its history.
Recent reports suggest that Lambiase is in discussions with Aston Martin regarding a senior leadership role. The Silverstone-based outfit has been aggressively strengthening its technical structure ahead of the 2026 season and has already made headlines by securing the services of legendary designer Adrian Newey from Red Bull. If Lambiase were to follow Newey, it would further underline Aston Martin’s intent to challenge for championships in the next era of Formula 1.
For Red Bull, the timing of the rumours is far from ideal. The team is preparing for one of the biggest changes it has ever faced, transitioning away from Honda power units and entering a new partnership with Ford under the Red Bull Powertrains banner. Stability behind the scenes is considered crucial as the team adapts to the sweeping new engine and chassis regulations coming into force in 2026.
While Red Bull has not publicly commented on the speculation surrounding Lambiase, the possibility of losing such a key figure raises questions about continuity within Verstappen’s inner circle. The driver-engineer relationship is one of the most important partnerships in Formula 1, and replacing someone with Lambiase’s experience and chemistry would be no small task.
Adding to the sense of uncertainty, Ford has acknowledged that it is experiencing some natural nerves as it edges closer to its first on-track test with Red Bull. The American manufacturer is making its return to Formula 1 after more than two decades away and is partnering with Red Bull on the development of the next-generation power unit.
Ford Performance director Mark Rushbrook has provided an update on the progress of the project, admitting that despite confidence in the work completed so far, a degree of nervousness is inevitable as the first real-world tests approach. With pre-season testing just weeks away, the pressure is mounting to ensure the new power unit performs reliably and competitively from the outset.
Rushbrook emphasised that such feelings are a normal part of any major engineering programme, particularly one as complex as Formula 1 power unit development. He explained that the partnership between Ford and Red Bull has involved years of planning, simulation, and validation, but nothing truly compares to seeing the engine run on track for the first time under racing conditions.
The 2026 regulations represent a fresh start for the sport, with a greater focus on electrical power, sustainability, and simplified engine architecture. For Red Bull, the challenge is even greater, as it will be the first time the team has effectively produced its own power unit operation without Honda’s direct involvement.
Despite the admitted nerves, both Ford and Red Bull remain optimistic about their long-term prospects. The partnership has been positioned as a strategic move aimed not just at short-term success, but at establishing Red Bull as a fully integrated manufacturer team capable of competing at the highest level for years to come.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, Red Bull finds itself at a crossroads. The potential loss of a key technical figure like Lambiase, combined with the natural uncertainty surrounding a brand-new power unit, highlights the scale of the challenge ahead. Whether the team can maintain its competitive edge through this period of transition may ultimately define the next chapter of its Formula 1 story.
