Red Bull’s Decision on Max Verstappen’s New Race Engineer: An In-Depth Overview
Red Bull Racing, one of Formula 1’s most successful teams in recent years, appears to be preparing for another important internal change as they head into the 2026 season. Reports have emerged indicating that the team has already made a significant decision: they have identified who will be the next race engineer for four-time world champion Max Verstappen, should his long-time engineer leave the team.
This development comes amid growing speculation within the Formula 1 community over potential departures from Red Bull’s technical ranks. The rumoured exit in question revolves around Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer for much of his Formula 1 career. Known affectionately in the paddock as “GP,” Lambiase has been intimately connected with Verstappen’s rise to dominance in the sport. Since the Dutch driver’s arrival on the grid and through the majority of his championship-winning seasons, Lambiase has played a central role in managing technical feedback, strategy calls, and in-race communication that helped Verstappen secure multiple world titles.
Lambiase’s potential departure is significant. Not only has he been at Verstappen’s side through his most defining moments — including his four drivers’ championships — but their partnership represents one of the most consistent and stable driver-engineer relationships in Formula 1. It is widely believed among insiders and fans alike that this deeply established partnership has contributed meaningfully to Verstappen’s on-track performance, particularly during high-pressure situations when clear communication and mutual trust are essential.
Recent discussions suggest that Lambiase is currently in advanced talks with the Aston Martin team. These talks reportedly involve a potential senior leadership role with the Silverstone-based outfit — a move that could represent a major career shift for him. Aston Martin has been aggressively pursuing top engineering and leadership talent in order to strengthen its own competitiveness against Red Bull and other front-running teams in Formula 1. Taking on a senior management position at Aston Martin would not only mark a step up for Lambiase but would also strengthen the technical board of a team rapidly rising through the grid.
Amid this backdrop of uncertainty, Red Bull appear to have already made contingency plans for a scenario in which Lambiase leaves. According to sources, the Milton Keynes squad has quietly identified Simon Rennie as the likely successor to Lambiase should he depart. Rennie is an experienced engineer with a strong technical pedigree within Formula 1. He has previously worked with drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon, building a reputation as a capable race strategist and communicator.
Rennie’s prospective appointment would mark a notable change in Verstappen’s support structure. While he brings considerable experience, analysts and insiders emphasise that the transition will not be seamless. Racing at the highest level in F1 hinges on instant rapport between driver and engineer; split-second strategic choices influenced by how well the driver trusts and understands the engineer on the radio can make all the difference during a Grand Prix. Because Lambiase and Verstappen have worked together for the vast majority of Verstappen’s career, replacing that bond with someone new — even someone as capable as Rennie — will inevitably require a period of adjustment if it happens.
The context for this switch is also important to understand. Red Bull Racing has endured a turbulent period of transition in recent months. Notable departures — including legendary chief technical designer Adrian Newey, long-time team principal Christian Horner, and senior advisor Helmut Marko — have transformed the organisational landscape of the team. Each of these figures held a pivotal role in Red Bull’s rise to prominence in Formula 1, and losing them has raised questions among fans and pundits about the stability of the team’s engineering and leadership structure.
The potential loss of Lambiase would add another layer to that narrative, particularly as the sport prepares for sweeping new regulations in 2026 that will fundamentally change the technical dynamics of the cars. Drivers and teams alike will need to adapt quickly to new aerodynamic rules, power units, and strategic possibilities. For Verstappen — who is widely viewed as one of the greatest talents in the sport — having a trusted technical partner to guide him through those changes could be even more crucial than ever.
Yet the broader implications of this move may extend beyond just technical personnel changes. There is speculation among some Formula 1 observers that Aston Martin’s interest in Lambiase could be part of a larger effort to attract Verstappen himself in the future. While no concrete offer has been made — and Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull through 2028 with no public indications of leaving — speculation continues to swirl in the paddock about his long-term future, especially in light of the competitive shake-ups occurring across the grid.
If Aston Martin were to secure an experienced technical leader like Lambiase and then build a strong package around a championship-calibre driver — hypothetically even Verstappen — that could have seismic implications for the competitive hierarchy in F1. However, at this point, such discussions remain speculative, and there is no verified indication that Verstappen is actively considering a move away from Red Bull.
Even if Lambiase ultimately stays at Red Bull, the mere fact that his role is expected to change significantly — with indications he might not attend races during the 2026 season — means that a new communications dynamic between Verstappen and the pit wall is all but certain. That makes Red Bull’s reported choice of Simon Rennie not just a contingency plan, but an essential part of their broader strategy as they navigate a critical technical shift and strive to remain competitive.
In summary, Red Bull have already decided on Max Verstappen’s new race engineer in anticipation of Lambiase’s potential departure: Simon Rennie has been earmarked to take on that role. While this move aims to ensure continuity and maintain high standards within the team, it also marks the end of one of Formula 1’s most famous driver-engineer partnerships. The impact of this transition — both for Verstappen’s future performance and for Red Bull’s competitiveness in the coming seasons — will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
