Max Verstappen has already explained why losing Gianpiero Lambiase would hurt him so much

Max Verstappen is poised to lose one of the most influential figures of his Formula 1 career, with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase reportedly set to leave Red Bull for McLaren in 2028.

The move, reported by Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf, would mark the end of one of the sport’s most intense and successful driver–engineer partnerships — a relationship that has defined Verstappen’s rise and dominance at Red Bull.

A partnership that defined an era

Verstappen and Lambiase have worked together since the Dutchman’s promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2016. In that time, the duo have secured four world championships and built a dynamic that is both combative and deeply effective.

Their radio exchanges have often revealed sharp disagreements and flashes of tension. Yet behind the friction lies mutual trust and a shared pursuit of performance.

Reflecting on their working relationship during his maiden title-winning campaign in 2021, Verstappen described the foundations of their success:

“GP and I now have been working together for a few years. We have a very good and honest relationship, I think.

He really understands what I need from the car, and also how I can feed back things to him. Of course, we have moments where we don’t agree. But I think that’s also wanted, because at the end of the day, you want to make each other better, and you want to make the car faster.

It’s good to be able to have discussions and come [up] with the best solution for it. We [are] also very honest to each other, like I am to Helmut and Christian. And I think that makes it so good.”

That honesty — sometimes blunt, often intense — became a cornerstone of Red Bull’s competitive edge. Breaking up that relationship would represent a significant emotional and competitive shift for Verstappen.

From Red Bull stalwart to McLaren arrival

Lambiase’s future has been the subject of speculation for months. In 2025, Aston Martin and Williams reportedly targeted him amid suggestions he would step away from his role as Verstappen’s engineer. He remained at Red Bull for 2026, even turning down Adrian Newey to replace him as Aston Martin team principal.

However, a sudden change of direction now appears to have occurred. Lambiase is expected to join McLaren in 2028, with rumours suggesting he could replace Andrea Stella as team principal. Stella, in turn, has been linked with a move back to Ferrari.

The 2027 season is therefore set to be the final chapter of the Verstappen–Lambiase alliance.

A growing list of departures

Lambiase’s exit would add to a growing list of high-profile figures who have left Red Bull over the past two years. Christian Horner, Adrian Newey, Helmut Marko and Jonathan Wheatley are all noted among those departures.

At McLaren, Lambiase would reunite with Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay — further underlining the scale of personnel movement at the highest level of the sport.

For Verstappen, the loss is particularly personal. He has previously indicated he would find it difficult to accept not working with Lambiase, while the engineer himself has stated he would not want to work with another driver. Yet from 2028, their paths will diverge.

What it means for Verstappen

The timing of the news is significant. Verstappen has already voiced opposition to the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, and with Red Bull described as being in crisis, speculation over his long-term future is intensifying.

Some fans believe Lambiase’s departure could even prompt Verstappen to retire. Others suggest the possibility that the Brit could eventually attempt to bring his driver with him to McLaren.

What is certain is that the dismantling of one of Formula 1’s closest working relationships represents a defining moment. For Verstappen, losing Lambiase is not merely a staffing change — it is the potential end of the partnership that shaped his championship era at Red Bull.