Max Verstappen will continue his collaboration with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase during the third free practice session of the Italian Grand Prix. This continuity underscores their established working relationship within Red Bull Racing. Lambiase has served as Verstappen’s race engineer since 2016, a partnership instrumental in the driver’s multiple World Drivers’ Championships.
Despite this ongoing trackside presence, significant developments regarding Lambiase’s future have emerged. It was confirmed on April 9, 2026, that Lambiase will depart Red Bull Racing at the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2027 season. He is set to join McLaren in 2028, assuming the role of Chief Racing Officer.
Red Bull Racing has already initiated plans for the transition, announcing the appointment of Tom McCullough as the new Head of Racing. McCullough, a veteran F1 engineer with extensive experience, notably from Aston Martin, will commence his duties at the start of the 2027 season.
McCullough’s arrival is part of Red Bull’s strategy to reinforce its senior leadership structure following several high-profile exits. Lambiase’s current responsibilities include both his race engineer role for Verstappen and his position as Head of Racing, to which he was promoted in October 2024.
Verstappen has publicly addressed Lambiase’s impending move, indicating that his long-time engineer sought his approval before finalizing the decision. Verstappen reportedly encouraged Lambiase to accept the opportunity, acknowledging the career progression it offers.
The partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase is recognized as one of the most enduring driver-engineer pairings in contemporary Formula 1. Their direct communication style and strategic collaboration have been a consistent factor in Red Bull’s competitive performance.
Lambiase’s tenure at Red Bull has seen him rise through the ranks, taking on additional responsibilities. He was appointed Head of Race Engineering in 2022 and subsequently Head of Racing in 2024, reporting directly to Technical Director Pierre Waché and Team Principal Laurent Mekies.
During the 2025 season, Lambiase experienced temporary absences from two Grand Prix weekends, the Austrian and Belgian events, due to personal reasons. Simon Rennie stepped in as Verstappen’s race engineer during those periods.
These previous temporary changes underscore the significance of Lambiase’s consistent presence trackside for Verstappen in the 2026 season, despite the confirmed future shift in his career trajectory. His contract with Red Bull Racing extends until the end of 2027.
The broader context at Red Bull Racing has involved a series of personnel adjustments throughout 2026, including administrative and technical reshuffles. These changes reflect an ongoing evolution within the team’s operational and leadership structures.
