Max Verstappen is operating with a different race engineer for multiple weekends during the current 2026 Formula 1 season. Gianpiero Lambiase, his long-standing engineer, has been absent from at least two Grands Prix due to personal reasons earlier this year.
Tom Hart, who has served as Verstappen’s performance engineer since 2020, is stepping into the race engineer role during these periods. Hart is gaining experience for a potential full-time transition into the position.
Lambiase missed both the Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix earlier this season. These absences mark a notable change in the consistent partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase, a collaboration instrumental in securing four world championships.
While reports earlier in the year indicated Lambiase would depart Red Bull for McLaren as Chief Racing Officer by 2028, more recent updates suggest he has chosen to remain with Red Bull.
Lambiase’s current contract with Red Bull extends until the end of the 2027 season. This ensures his continued presence as Verstappen’s track engineer and Head of Racing for the immediate future.
Red Bull has, however, announced Tom McCullough will join the team as Head of Racing from 2027. This appointment suggests a restructuring of senior management roles within the Milton Keynes outfit.
Hart’s preparation for the race engineer role is ongoing. He previously deputised for Lambiase during practice sessions at the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The transition plan for Hart includes standing in for Lambiase at various points during the 2026 season. This aims to ensure a smooth handover for the 2027 season.
