Gianpiero Lambiase to leave Red Bull for McLaren in major 2027 switch

A defining departure at Red Bull

Red Bull is set to lose one of its most influential figures. Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer and the team’s head of racing, will leave at the end of 2027 to join McLaren.

Both Red Bull and McLaren are currently declining to comment on the move.

A major blow for Verstappen

For Max Verstappen, the departure represents a significant personal and professional loss. Lambiase has been a central figure in the Dutch driver’s Formula 1 career since May 2016, when Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull’s main team.

Their partnership became one of the most successful driver–engineer combinations in the sport, delivering four world titles. Lambiase has long been regarded as a crucial link on Verstappen’s side of the garage, playing a pivotal role in race execution and communication.

His exit marks the end of an era for Red Bull’s most successful driver-engineer pairing.

McLaren’s strategic recruitment drive

Lambiase’s signing also signals McLaren’s continued aggressive recruitment from Red Bull. The Woking-based team has systematically strengthened its technical and sporting structure by targeting key figures from its rival.

Chief designer Rob Marshall previously made the switch, followed by former chief strategist Will Courtenay, who now serves as sporting director. The addition of Lambiase further reinforces McLaren’s intent to bolster its leadership and operational depth.

Internally, the move is also seen as forward-looking. Team principal Andrea Stella remains highly regarded at McLaren, yet he has been linked within the team to a potential return to Ferrari. Securing Lambiase may be viewed as a proactive step in anticipation of possible leadership changes.

Ongoing departures at Red Bull

Lambiase’s exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Red Bull. The team has seen several key figures leave for competitors in recent years.

In addition to those who joined McLaren, Adrian Newey moved to Aston Martin. Senior advisor Helmut Marko and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley have also departed. Meanwhile, former team principal Christian Horner was dismissed and replaced by Laurent Mekies.

Taken together, the changes underline a period of significant transition for Red Bull’s leadership and technical structure.

With Lambiase’s move confirmed for 2027, both teams now face important questions about continuity, stability, and competitive direction in the seasons ahead.