The announcement that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull at the end of the 2027 season has quickly become one of the key talking points in the paddock, particularly given his long-standing role alongside Max Verstappen.

Lambiase has been Verstappen’s race engineer since 2016, forming a highly effective partnership that has delivered multiple titles and helped define Red Bull’s recent era of success. His confirmed move to McLaren, where he is set to take on the role of chief racing officer from 2028, marks a significant change both for the Milton Keynes team and the wider competitive landscape.

Speaking after the news emerged, Jos Verstappen indicated that the decision had been known within close circles for some time and was not a sudden development.

“We knew for a while and we also knew when it was going to happen,” Jos Verstappen told RaceXpress.

“We have another year and a half to two years to work with him. It's a huge opportunity for him, so we understand. We also told him to do it and grab it with both hands. Beyond that, it's up to Red Bull to replace him. We will see,” the former F1 driver added.

While Lambiase’s departure inevitably raises questions about Max Verstappen’s long-term future, particularly given past remarks linking his own stay to that of his race engineer, Jos Verstappen suggested the situation may no longer be so clear-cut.

“I think things have changed, Certainly after four championships you have achieved a lot together, but that is up to Max. However, I think he will just continue," Jos Verstappen concluded.