Race Engineer Lambiase Stays at Red Bull, Securing Key Stability for Verstappen
Max Verstappen's trusted race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will remain at Red Bull. This is a major boost for the team after a series of high-profile departures and provides crucial stability for the three-time world champion.
Max Verstappen and Red Bull have received a significant boost with the news that his trusted race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will remain with the team in 2026. The decision provides a rare piece of positive news for the reigning champions amid a period of major personnel upheaval, securing the most critical member of Verstappen's inner circle.
Why it matters:
Lambiase is more than just an engineer to Verstappen; he's a vital partner in their dominant run. With the team already having lost iconic figures like Adrian Newey and team manager Jonathan Wheatley to rivals, retaining Lambiase was paramount to maintaining team morale and Verstappen's own commitment. The Dutch driver has previously hinted he might even consider leaving F1 if Lambiase departed, underscoring the engineer's immense value to both the driver and the team's championship aspirations.
The details:
- A Wave of Departures: Red Bull's brain drain has been severe, with designer Adrian Newey joining Aston Martin, team principal Jonathan Wheatley moving to Audi, and strategist Will Courtenay switching to McLaren.
- Garage Shake-up: Verstappen's race crew is also changing significantly. Of his four garage engineers, three are leaving: David Mart (to Audi), Michael Manning (stepping away), and Tom Hart (to Williams in 2027).
- A Sought-After Commodity: Despite being under contract until 2027, Lambiase was heavily linked with top teams like Aston Martin and McLaren, who were reportedly keen to acquire his expertise. His decision to stay is a conscious choice to honor his commitment and remain with Verstappen.
What's next:
While Lambiase's retention is a crucial win, Red Bull's work is far from over. The team must navigate the massive 2026 technical regulations and integrate new key personnel while aiming to maintain its competitive edge. For Verstappen, having his most trusted confidant by his side provides a stable foundation from which to challenge for what would be a fifth consecutive world title.