Helmut Marko says Gianpiero Lambiase's successor is coming from Ferrari

Red Bull secures successor for Lambiase

Red Bull’s technical leadership is set for a significant transition as long-time race engineer for Max Verstappen, Gianpiero Lambiase, prepares for a future departure. While Lambiase is slated to join McLaren in 2028 to take on a senior role alongside team principal Andrea Stella, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has confirmed that the team has already secured his replacement.

In a notable twist, Marko revealed that the incoming successor has been recruited directly from Ferrari. This move comes as Red Bull navigates a period of internal change, with Lambiase becoming the latest high-profile figure to announce an exit from the Milton Keynes outfit.

A transition period for Verstappen

Despite his future commitment to McLaren, Lambiase will continue his current duties as Verstappen’s race engineer and Head of Racing at Red Bull for the time being. However, the long-term stability of this partnership has been called into question. Commentator Alex Brundle has suggested that Red Bull should consider parting ways with Lambiase by 2027 to facilitate a smoother transition.

The loss of Lambiase is viewed as a potentially damaging blow for Verstappen. The pair have shared a highly successful tenure, securing four consecutive world titles together. Verstappen himself acknowledged the gravity of the situation, having previously encouraged Lambiase to accept the McLaren offer, describing it as an opportunity too good to refuse.

The prospect of working with a new engineer presents a significant challenge for the Dutchman. Christian Danner has warned that Verstappen could face friction with a new partner, drawing parallels to the adjustment period Lewis Hamilton may face with his own new engineering team.

Marko addresses broader team challenges

Beyond the engineering shake-up, Marko addressed the team's recent performance struggles. Following a difficult start to the 2024 season, where the team managed only 16 points across the opening three races, Marko remains hopeful that the team can rely on its history of overcoming adversity.

Addressing concerns regarding the upcoming 2026 engine partnership with Ford, Marko dismissed the notion that the power unit is the primary issue. “Yes, but the engine, which certainly isn’t the best, isn’t the main problem,” he stated. He noted that while the team’s recent development trajectory has been suboptimal, he cautioned against overstating the current crisis, emphasizing that the team is capable of turning its fortunes around.