Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren sparks doubts over Verstappen’s future

Lambiase to McLaren: the end of an era at Red Bull

The news that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull to join McLaren at the start of the 2028 season has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. After more than a decade with the Milton Keynes outfit, Lambiase’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful engineer-driver partnerships in recent history.

The story was first reported by Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, and the reaction was immediate.

Fans fear Verstappen exit is imminent

For many supporters, Lambiase’s decision is more than a personnel change — it is being interpreted as a sign of what may come next.

Social media quickly filled with speculation that Verstappen’s time at Red Bull, and perhaps even in Formula 1, could be nearing its end.

One fan wrote, “Yeah, Max is retiring definitely after this season.”

Another added, “So that basically all but confirms that Max is out of F1 as well. I don’t see him staying in this s— with the worst regulations in the history of F1, and GP gone.”

Others framed the move as symbolic of a wider collapse in leadership and direction at Red Bull. “No one trusts Mekies to lead the team anywhere but the lower midfield when Max leaves. RBR really f—– up when they fired Horner,” claimed one supporter.

A fourth compared the situation to the end of a sporting dynasty: “FIA and F1 really pulled a Chicago Bulls breakup.”

Perhaps the most pointed assessment came from a fan who wrote, “GP has just signed for McLaren, Max is about to walk away, and we have Hadjar publicly calling Wache’s car terrible. It’s over. This isn’t Red Bull anymore. This is a masterclass in how to destroy a team.”

Another concluded bluntly: “If this isn’t confirmation that Max is leaving, I don’t know what is.”

A broader Red Bull exodus

Lambiase is the latest high-profile figure to exit the Red Bull structure over the past two years. He joins Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, and Christian Horner as key contributors to the team’s recent success who have moved on.

Against that backdrop, Verstappen’s own frustrations have become part of the narrative. There has been reported disappointment within his camp regarding the work done on the RB22, adding further uncertainty around his long-term commitment.

Compounding speculation is Verstappen’s growing interest in GT3 racing, which has fueled suggestions that he could either leave Red Bull or step away from Formula 1 entirely.

There has been no public comment from Verstappen regarding Lambiase’s departure. However, given the closeness of their working relationship, it is difficult to imagine the development being insignificant.

What is clear is this: the departure of Gianpiero Lambiase does not merely reshape Red Bull’s engineering structure. It intensifies the scrutiny surrounding Max Verstappen’s future, and whether the most successful partnership of the modern Red Bull era is approaching its final chapter.