Max Verstappen's Engineer Leaves Red Bull for McLaren

Gianpiero Lambiase, a key figure in Verstappen's success, set to join rival team in 2028

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:58pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Formula 1 race scene broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the strategic implications of a key personnel move between rival teams.The departure of a key engineer from one Formula 1 team to a rival signals a shift in the sport's strategic landscape.Port Royal Today

Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, is leaving Red Bull to join McLaren in 2028, marking a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape. Lambiase, known as 'GP', has been instrumental in Verstappen's four world championship titles, but his departure to a rival team raises questions about the dynamics of team loyalty and the evolving nature of F1.

Why it matters

Lambiase's move from Red Bull to McLaren could have major strategic implications, as he brings his expertise in data engineering and race strategy to a direct competitor of Verstappen's team. This shift in personnel could potentially disrupt the balance of power in the sport and affect Verstappen's ability to maintain his dominant form.

The details

Lambiase has been Verstappen's race engineer since the Dutchman joined Red Bull in 2016. His role as Head of Racing and Race Engineer has been crucial to Red Bull's recent success, with Verstappen winning four world titles. However, Red Bull has seen a trend of high-profile personnel leaving the team for rival outfits, and Lambiase's departure to McLaren is the latest example.

  • Lambiase has been Verstappen's race engineer since 2016.
  • Verstappen has won four world championships with Lambiase as his engineer.
  • Lambiase will leave Red Bull and join McLaren in 2028.

The players

Gianpiero Lambiase

Verstappen's long-time race engineer, known as 'GP', who has been instrumental in Red Bull's recent success.

Max Verstappen

The four-time Formula 1 world champion who has worked closely with Lambiase throughout his career.

Red Bull

The Formula 1 team that Lambiase is leaving to join rival McLaren.

McLaren

The Formula 1 team that is acquiring Lambiase, a key figure from a rival team.

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What they’re saying

“Lambiase's departure is a significant blow to Red Bull, but it also presents an opportunity for McLaren to solidify its position as a top contender.”

— Ms. Lucile Johns, Author

What’s next

The impact of Lambiase's move to McLaren will be closely watched, as it could potentially disrupt the balance of power in Formula 1 and affect Verstappen's performance.

The takeaway

This development highlights the complex interplay between team loyalty and personal ambition in Formula 1, as well as the importance of key personnel in the sport's technological and strategic innovation.