F1 Shake-Up: Lambiase Set to Join McLaren as Team Principal

A major shift is underway in Formula 1 as Gianpiero Lambiase, a key figure at Red Bull Racing, has decided to leave the team. The experienced race engineer is expected to depart at the end of the 2027 season and join McLaren in early 2028.

A High-Value Deal

Reports suggest that Lambiase has signed a lucrative contract with McLaren, outbidding interest from teams such as Aston Martin and Williams.

This move may signal more than just a personnel change—it could be part of a broader restructuring within McLaren. While team principal Andrea Stella remains highly regarded, rumors linking him to Ferrari persist, prompting the team to secure key talent early.

A Pattern of Transfers

Lambiase is not the first major figure to move from Red Bull to McLaren. Previously, chief designer Rob Marshall and strategy head Will Courtenay made the same switch, highlighting McLaren’s aggressive recruitment strategy.

A Blow to Verstappen

The departure is a significant loss for Max Verstappen. Lambiase has been his race engineer since 2016, playing a crucial role in securing four world championships. Their partnership has been one of the most successful driver-engineer duos in modern F1.

Losing such a key collaborator could impact Verstappen’s race communication and strategic execution moving forward.

Ongoing Changes at Red Bull

Red Bull has seen several high-profile departures in recent years. Legendary designer Adrian Newey moved to Aston Martin, while advisor Helmut Marko and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley also left. Former team principal Christian Horner was dismissed and replaced by Laurent Mekies.

These changes point to a major internal transformation within the team.