Photo: Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
Uncertainty over Gianpiero Lambiase’s future has been eased after many sources confirmed he will remain at Red Bull and continue as Max Verstappen's race engineer.
Speculation grew after the end of the 2025 season that Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, might leave Red Bull. Aston Martin and Williams were both linked with him, and reports suggested they could offer him senior roles. The chatter in the paddock made his future a hot topic.
However, multiple sources, including Motorsport.com or MotorsportWeek, now reports that Lambiase has decided to stay with Red Bull. This news comes as a big boost for the team and for Verstappen himself. Lambiase has been part of Verstappen’s inner circle for years, known as one of the most trusted and effective race engineers on the grid.
His decision to stay also strengthens the work being done under team principal Laurent Mekies, who has helped steady Red Bull after a period of several high-profile departures. In recent seasons, big names like Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Will Courtenay and others have left, leading many to wonder if Red Bull was losing too much of its experience.
Keeping Lambiase now brings that period of exits to a pause, at least for the moment. Even though Red Bull didn’t win the championship in 2025, holding on to such an experienced and respected figure is a significant positive for the team. According to De Telegraaf, Lambiase’s contract runs until 2027.
For Verstappen, this decision matters a great deal. He has already lost other close allies at the team, and losing Lambiase would have been a tougher blow to absorb. Their partnership is one of the strongest in Formula 1, built over years of shared races, strategy calls and race-winning moments.
Looking ahead to 2026, stability will be crucial. Red Bull is preparing for a major new technical era, including running its own power units in partnership with Ford. Having Lambiase stay means the team can focus on its performance and car development, rather than having to rebuild important relationships. For now, Red Bull and Verstappen can take comfort in knowing one of their most important people will be there when the new season starts.
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