Who is Gianpiero Lambiase? The most recognisable engineering figure in F1

A significant shift is unfolding in the Formula 1 paddock as Gianpiero Lambiase prepares to bring his long-standing Red Bull chapter to a close and embark on a new challenge with McLaren.

At 45, Lambiase has become one of the most recognisable engineering figures in the sport, largely due to his defining partnership with Max Verstappen. Their collaboration, which began in 2016, helped shape one of the most successful eras in modern Formula 1.

From data engineer to F1 powerhouse

Lambiase’s journey to the front line of Formula 1 engineering began with a degree in mechanical engineering from University College London. He entered the sport in 2005 as a data engineer with Jordan Grand Prix and remained with the outfit through its successive transformations into Midland, Spyker and Force India.

By 2009, he was working as Giancarlo Fisichella’s engineer when Force India secured its first-ever pole position and podium finish at Spa-Francorchamps — an early milestone in Lambiase’s growing résumé.

He went on to engineer Vitantonio Liuzzi, Paul di Resta and Sergio Perez, steadily building his reputation before making a pivotal move to Red Bull in late 2014.

The Verstappen era

Initially assigned to Daniil Kvyat, Lambiase’s career took a dramatic turn ahead of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix when Red Bull replaced Kvyat with a young Max Verstappen. Lambiase was paired with the Dutch driver just days before the event.

The partnership could hardly have started more emphatically: Verstappen won on his Red Bull debut.

What followed was a period of sustained dominance. Since Verstappen’s arrival at the team in May 2016, the duo have claimed four Formula 1 world titles and more than 70 grand prix victories. The peak of their success came between 2021 and 2024, when Verstappen secured four consecutive championships.

Throughout his Red Bull tenure, Lambiase held various roles and was most recently promoted to Head of Racing in 2024, underlining his influence within the organisation.

A defining voice on the radio

Beyond results, Lambiase became widely known for his distinctive radio exchanges with Verstappen. Their direct and often candid communications were regularly broadcast, becoming a familiar feature of race weekends.

Despite the intensity of those on-air moments, Verstappen has consistently spoken positively about their working relationship, describing Lambiase as a key figure in his historic Formula 1 career.

A new chapter at McLaren

Now, after a decade of success at Red Bull, Lambiase is set to take his experience and achievements to McLaren. His departure marks the end of one of the most productive driver–engineer partnerships in recent Formula 1 history.

As he moves on to a fresh challenge, Lambiase leaves behind a legacy defined by titles, victories and a collaboration that helped shape a dominant era in the sport.