Max Verstappen already has clear ideas for the post-Gianpiero Lambiase era—the world champion expects a gradual transition
Max Verstappen has spoken more specifically for the first time about the period following the departure of his longtime race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. The Dutchman reveals that he already has an idea of who could succeed him and expects a gradual transition within the team.
Red Bull announced earlier this year that Lambiase will move to McLaren when his contract expires at the end of 2027. For Verstappen, this marks the end of a partnership that has lasted since his first race for Red Bull in 2016.
Since the four-time Formula 1 world champion is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, he will compete for at least one season without his current race engineer and must prepare for his successor.
Verstappen already has a favorite
In an interview with Viaplay, Verstappen explained that the transition won’t happen abruptly: “I already have ideas about who I’d like to have. That person is already on the team. That’s why I think it will all develop gradually.”
The Dutchman therefore doesn’t expect “GP” to suddenly step down from his current role. “It will be handled very smoothly. But right now, it’s still a bit too early for that,” says Verstappen.
Visible changes toward the end of the season
At the same time, the Red Bull driver expects the first changes to become visible as early as the end of the 2026 season. “At some point, less information will be shared. I think he understands that himself,” explains Verstappen.
This is intended to prevent sensitive information from being passed directly from Lambiase to McLaren. However, it is also clear that Red Bull wants to set the course early on to ensure a smooth transition on Verstappen’s side of the garage even beyond 2027.
A positive track record over many years
Despite the impending departure, the four-time world champion looks back on their time together with a predominantly positive outlook. He emphasizes that such a successful collaboration between driver and race engineer is by no means a given.
“Of course, in Formula 1, it’s not always the case that you arrive somewhere and immediately click with someone,” says Verstappen.
Other drivers sometimes have more difficult relationships with their race engineers. “That’s not nice, and that’s why I feel lucky that it worked out so well for me. And that we really have a very good relationship with each other, not just here in the paddock, but also outside of it.”
