Verstappen Issues Firm Media Warning as Red Bull Engineer Linked With Shock F1 Switch
Max Verstappen has sent a clear and uncompromising message to the Formula 1 media as the sport prepares for a pivotal 2026 season, with the reigning four-time world champion calling for a higher standard of questioning following what he described as a frustrating year off the track.
Despite closing the 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion with victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Verstappen narrowly missed out on securing a historic fifth consecutive drivers’ championship, finishing just two points adrift in one of the closest title battles in recent memory. While the on-track drama captivated fans, Verstappen has now revealed that constant speculation and what he labelled “stupid questions” from the media proved to be an unnecessary distraction throughout the season.
Speaking candidly ahead of the major regulation overhaul coming in 2026, the Dutchman urged journalists to focus on meaningful analysis rather than repetitive rumours and sensationalism. Verstappen made it clear that he expects a more respectful and informed approach from those covering the paddock, particularly as teams and drivers face one of the biggest technical resets in Formula 1 history.
The Red Bull star’s comments arrive at a time of significant upheaval within his team. Red Bull has already undergone major structural changes following the departures of long-time team principal Christian Horner and senior advisor Helmut Marko in recent months. Those exits marked the end of an era for the Milton Keynes outfit and raised questions about the long-term stability of Verstappen’s inner circle.
Now, further uncertainty has emerged with reports suggesting that Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is in discussions with a rival Formula 1 team over a potential move away from Red Bull. Lambiase has been a central figure in Verstappen’s rise to dominance, serving as his race engineer since 2016 and playing a key role in all four of his world championship triumphs.
The Verstappen–Lambiase partnership is widely regarded as one of the strongest driver-engineer relationships on the grid, defined by trust, blunt communication, and a shared competitive mindset. Their radio exchanges, often direct and emotionally charged, have become iconic among fans and have underlined how closely aligned the pair are during race weekends.
However, with Red Bull undergoing internal changes and rival teams eager to strengthen their technical leadership ahead of the 2026 reset, Lambiase’s experience has reportedly attracted interest elsewhere in the paddock. Should such a move materialise, it would represent another major loss for Red Bull and further fuel speculation about the team’s future direction.
While Verstappen has not publicly commented on Lambiase’s situation, the timing of the reports has only intensified media attention around the Dutchman’s long-term plans. That scrutiny appears to be exactly what Verstappen is growing increasingly tired of, particularly after a season in which his championship fight was repeatedly overshadowed by off-track narratives.
The 2026 season is expected to usher in sweeping changes, including new power unit regulations and revised chassis rules, offering teams a rare opportunity to reset the competitive order. For Verstappen, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity — a chance to reassert dominance while navigating an evolving Red Bull structure.
Despite the noise, Verstappen’s performance on track in 2025 once again demonstrated his relentless consistency and race-winning ability. His Abu Dhabi victory served as a reminder that, regardless of internal changes or external speculation, he remains one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
As Formula 1 moves into a new era, Verstappen’s warning to the media underscores his desire to keep the focus where he believes it belongs — on racing, performance, and the sport itself. Whether Red Bull can maintain stability amid high-profile departures and potential further losses remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Verstappen is not interested in distractions as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.
