--- title: "What Does Lambiase’s Exit From Red Bull Say About Verstappen’s F1 Future?" date: "2026-04-09" modified: "2026-04-09" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/what-does-lambiases-exit-from-red-bull-say-about-verstappens-f1-future" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # What Does Lambiase’s Exit From Red Bull Say About Verstappen’s F1 Future? ![LAS VEGAS, NV - NOVEMBER 22: Race winner Max Verstappen, driver of the #1 Red Bull Racing celebrates with Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase after the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 22, 2025 on the Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Las Vegas, Nevada.(Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire)]() *\Jeff Speer via Getty\* Dutch journalist Jacky Martens took to [Formula 1]() photographer Kym Illman's podcast Thursday morning to confirm a bombshell that's been rumored for several months: Gianpiero Lambiase, better known as [Max Verstappen]()'s engineer, is leaving Red Bull at the end of 2027 to join McLaren. Like Mercedes' "Bono," Lambiase has reached Superstar Engineer level over the years due to his winning relationship with Verstappen. This has made him the target of poaching efforts by several teams across the paddock, including Aston Martin, Williams, McLaren, and even Ferrari. As I typed this, McLaren issued a statement confirming Lambiase's arrival to the team and his position as Chief Racing Officer. He will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella. While that's good and all for the Italian's career and bank account, the question that really matters here is: what about Super Max? ![SUZUKA, JAPAN - MARCH 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Gianpiero Lambiase, Head of Racing of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the garage during final practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 28, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)]() **Mark Thompson via Getty** It's obvious that things aren't going well at Red Bull right now. Verstappen is frustrated, and that's understandable behavior for a four-time F1 champ. Is he frustrated enough to jump ship? I think the answer is, yes. However, it will come down to the car's performance between Miami and the mandatory summer break. If things don't improve drastically by then, I predict Verstappen will make a tough decision about his future at Red Bull over the shutdown. The pressure is now on Laurent Mekies to perform. However, to even think that the Milton Keynes squad won't turn things around would be a huge mistake. It's more about how quickly it can do it? Surely it's in the middle of regrouping, adapting, and improving as I type this—especially given the unexpected month-long break due to the canceled Middle Eastern races. ![BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 18: Jos Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase in conversation in the paddock during day one of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 18, 2026 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images)]() **Kym Illman via Getty** Verstappen has several options available to him should he want to continue racing in F1. Really, just about every team down the pit lane would pawn every asset they own—and then some—to lure him in. I believe the biggest threat to Red Bull is Mercedes. Toto Wolff hasn't been shy about his desire to sign Verstappen. Who'd lose the most with that move? George Russell, of course. The Brit has endured a topsy-turvy stay in Brackley, with management often making him wait until the last minute to up his contract. Now that he is being overshadowed by his teammate and rising star, the very lovable Kimi Antonelli, who, at 19, represents the team's future, there's more reason to believe Wolff will mobilize to sign Verstappen. What about Aston Martin? Will Lawrence Stroll finally realize that one of his two drivers needs to vacate their seat to make room for someone who can move the organization forward? Will that driver be his own son, who will start racing GT cars soon, or will it be new-dad Fernando Alonso? Regardless, it would take a lot of convincing and an eye-watering salary to close Verstappen's management and himself, especially given its current struggles with Honda. But then again, is there anything Daddy Stroll can't do? What do you think Lambiase's exit says about Verstappen's future? ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()