Jos Verstappen has revealed that he and his son Max had been aware for some time that Gianpiero Lambiase would be moving from Red Bull to McLaren
When Red Bull announced the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase on Thursday, it came as a surprise to many. However, Max Verstappen had known for some time that his race engineer would be leaving the team for McLaren.
“We had known for a while and we also knew when it would happen,” Max’s father Jos Verstappen told RaceXpress. In fact, the Verstappen camp even advised Lambiase to accept the McLaren offer.
“It’s a huge opportunity for him and we understand that,” emphasizes ex-Formula 1 driver Verstappen and explains: “We also told him that he should do it, that he should take this opportunity with both hands.”
At the same time, the Dutchman reminds us that Lambiase is still under contract with Red Bull until 2027. That is why it is not yet known who will take over Lambiase’s duties after his departure.
This is a decision that Red Bull has to make, said Verstappen. Interestingly, the 54-year-old does not believe that his son could leave Red Bull together with Lambiase at the end of next year.
Why Jos no longer believes Max will retire
A few weeks ago, Verstappen told de Telegraaf: “To be honest, I’m afraid that Max will lose his motivation. Driving a Formula 1 car used to be the greatest thing ever for him, but at the moment I’m pretty pessimistic about that.”
In the meantime, he is a little more relaxed about the situation. “It looks like Formula 1 and the FIA are adapting the rules after all. Let’s see what they can do this year, that will help,” explains the Dutchman.
“I think they know exactly what they have to do,” says Verstappen, whose son has repeatedly made negative public comments about the new regulations in the premier class in recent weeks and months.
Jos Verstappen understands this criticism. As a racing driver, he also has “less fun” watching, he emphasizes. “That’s why I watch from time to time and then just switch off the TV. Because I’m less interested,” reveals Verstappen.
“Now it’s more of an engineering competition,” says the long-time Formula 1 driver, who hopes that the drivers will be able to make a bigger difference again in the future. Should that happen, his son Max could also continue to drive in the premier class for a little longer.