Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer in Formula 1, Gianpiero Lambiase, has had talks with Aston Martin about a possible role at the team, according to a report.
Lambiase has been the voice in Verstappen’s ear ever since the Dutchman was promoted to the senior Red Bull side five races into his sophomore campaign in 2016.
The collaboration has since gone on to be renowned among the most iconic that the sport has seen, with Lambiase guiding Verstappen to four titles and 71 victories.
However, Lambiase’s emotional response to Verstappen’s narrow two-point championship loss in Abu Dhabi earlier this month caused speculation about his position.
“It’s been an emotional year,” Verstappen told media including Motorsport Week.
“Forget about the results this year. I also don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough.
“But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate. Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend.
“We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements. I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag.
“So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him.
“I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good. A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times.”
But while it was thought that he could be moving aside to another post in the Red Bull setup, The Race has reported that Aston Martin has set its sights on the Italian.
Lambiase is claimed to have had conversations with Aston Martin about a possible senior position, which could even extend to him becoming CEO or Team Principal.
A potential switch would see Lambiase reunite with Adrian Newey, who departed his long-time role at Red Bull in 2024 before penning a deal to move to Aston Martin.
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