McLaren CEO Zak Brown has issued a hint about the potential timeframe of Gianpiero Lambiase’s arrival from Formula 1 rivals Red Bull.
The Woking-based squad secured the services of Max Verstappen’s long-term race engineer in a bombshell move that was announced in April.
Lambiase will assume the role of Chief Racing Officer, and, as per the announcement, will join “no later than 2028.”
The timing, therefore, of Lambiase’s arrival from its Milton Keynes-based rivals has been carrying some ambiguity.
But Brown, speaking to Sky Sports F1, appeared to be hinting that it will be sooner, rather than the “later” option.
“I’m optimistic we’ll see him in papaya at some point next year,” he said.
Brown added: “Very excited with everything that we’ve got going on at the factory. The men and women have been doing a great job.
“We’ve made a lot of gains this year from what was a very tough start to the year, but I feel like we’re on top of things now.
“[The] Drivers [Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri] are driving great, and you know, exciting, exciting times.”
The British-Italian’s move to McLaren helped rumours and the overall likelihood of a potential move to McLaren for Verstappen himself.
Amid unhappiness with the RB22’s performance at the midway point in the season, speculation intensified that Verstappen had held talks with McLaren, with Motorsport Week understanding that the talks themselves intensified.
However, Verstappen – who had previously revealed he gave Lambiase move away from Red Bull his blessing – decided to retain his loyalty to Red Bull, signing a contract extension.
Lambiase will be succeeded by Verstappen’s performance engineer Tom Hart. The Brit was convinced to remain with Red Bull to take on the role, and in process, backed out of an apparent agreement to join Williams.
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