McLaren has confirmed Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, as its new Formula 1 Chief Racing Officer from the start of the 2028 season.
In news that has huge ramifications for the F1 paddock, long-time serving race engineer to Verstappen, Lambiase will make a shock switch to McLaren as its new Chief Racing Officer.
This appears to refute previous speculation that it would be to replace incumbent Andrea Stella, who was additionally linked with a move back to Ferrari, with McLaren reiterating the Italian is on a “long-term” contract.
The scale of Red Bull’s loss of Lambiase to McLaren cannot be understated, his role at the Milton Keynes-based squad intrinscally linked with all four of Verstappen’s championships.
His start date remains up in the air, as McLaren have made clear he will start his role “no later than 2028”, while Red Bull states he will leave “when his current contract expires”.
McLaren and Red Bull statements
In a statement, Red Bull acknowledged Lambiase’s departure, not giving away any detail behind the high-profile defection.
“Oracle Red Bull Racing confirms that GianPiero Lambiase will leave the Team in 2028, when his current contract expires,” its statement read. “GP” is a valued member of the Team, which he joined in 2015.
“Until his planned departure, “GP” continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen.
“The Team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together.”
McLaren, by contrast, fully detailed its new acquisition, outlining the management structure that will cement Lambiase’s arrival, praising its culture.
“McLaren Racing is pleased to announce that GianPiero Lambiase will join the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Chief Racing Officer, reporting into Team Principal, Andrea Stella.
“The role of the Chief Racing Officer already exists within the team’s structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as Team Principal.
“Lambiase is the latest hire designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren Mastercard, while also reaffirming the team’s long-term commitment to confirming its position as a Championship-winning team.
“The team’s ability to attract and secure top talent, like Lambiase, and previously Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, alongside the retention and promotion of highly-talented people already within the team, is a testament to the strategic vision and culture that are integrally embodied in the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team under the leadership of Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, who are also both on long-term contracts.
“The team look forward to welcoming GianPiero Lambiase when his existing contract ends, no later than 2028.”
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