Verstappen's Race Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to Remain at Red Bull Through 2026
Despite strong interest from rival teams, Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has committed to staying at Red Bull Racing through the end of the 2026 season.
Gianpiero Lambiase, the voice in Max Verstappen's ear and a crucial part of his dominant success, will remain at Red Bull Racing through the 2026 season. Despite significant interest from rival teams, with Aston Martin making the most concrete approach, Lambiase has chosen to honor his contract and continue his partnership with the three-time world champion. His decision solidifies a key piece of Red Bull's team structure as they head into a new regulatory era.
Why it matters:
The driver-race engineer relationship is one of the most critical and intimate in Formula 1. Lambiase and Verstappen share a unique, telepathic bond that has been instrumental in securing three consecutive drivers' titles. In a period of significant off-track turbulence for Red Bull, retaining this core pairing provides a vital layer of stability and continuity for the team's star driver as the sport prepares for its massive 2026 rule changes.
The details:
- Reports from De Telegraaf and confirmation by GPblog revealed Lambiase's decision to stay, noting it was a conscious choice beyond just his contractual obligations.
- His services were in high demand, with Williams, McLaren, and Aston Martin all reportedly expressing interest in luring him away.
- Aston Martin's approach was described as the most "concrete," highlighting the Silverstone-based team's aggressive ambition to build a title-contending lineup around Fernando Alonso and their future works Honda partnership.
- Lambiase's current contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2026, aligning perfectly with the introduction of the new engine and chassis regulations.
Looking Ahead:
With Lambiase secured, Red Bull can focus on its on-track performance and the challenge of the 2026 regulations with its championship-winning driver-engineer duo intact. For Aston Martin and other suitors, the search for top-tier engineering talent continues. This move signals a strong statement of intent from within Red Bull, suggesting confidence in their project despite recent high-profile departures and internal scrutiny.