Max Verstappen frustration set to deepen as key engineer nears Red Bull exit
By Philip Duncan, Press Association F1 Correspondent
Max Verstappen’s Formula One future has been plunged into further doubt after it emerged his long-time race engineer is set to leave Red Bull.
Gianpiero Lambiase, known as ‘GP’, is poised to take up a position with Red Bull’s rivals McLaren, the Press Association understands.
A deal is in place for Lambiase to join the British team when his contract with Red Bull expires at the end of next season – although there is a possibility he could make the switch prior to then.
The British-Italian engineer has worked with Verstappen since the Dutchman joined Red Bull a decade ago.
And the expected break-up of their relationship, the strongest driver/race engineer partnership on the grid, raises significant question marks over Verstappen, who hinted at the recent race in Japan that he is ready to walk away from the sport.
Verstappen’s contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 but performance-related clauses would allow the four-time world champion to leave before then. Verstappen is ninth in the championship having scored just 12 points from the opening three races.
Verstappen, who has been deeply critical about the new regulations, said in Suzuka: “I am not even frustrated anymore. I am beyond that.
“I don’t know the right word in English for it. I don’t know what it is in Dutch either. I don’t know what to make of it to be honest. There are probably no words. I don’t get upset about it, and I don’t get frustrated by it anymore with what is going on. There is a lot of stuff for me personally, to figure out.”
Pressed on what he meant, Verstappen added: “Life.” Asked to elaborate further, Verstappen added: “Life here.”
In a subsequent interview with the BBC, Verstappen said: “When you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?”
At McLaren, Lambiase will report to team principal Andrea Stella, the Italian who oversaw Lando Norris’ world championship last year.
Max ðª xÉM#F1 || #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/tJFyfyXrQj
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) April 8, 2026
McLaren have also won back-to-back constructors’ titles during Stella’s tenure. PA has been told that suggestions Lambiase will eventually replace Stella – a reported target for Ferrari – are significantly wide of the mark.
Lambiase’s departure from Red Bull marks another senior figure to leave the British-based team. Christian Horner was sacked as team principal last year.
Design guru Adrian Newey, and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley left their posts prior to Horner’s exit, while Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay traded Red Bull for McLaren to take up the positions of chief designer and sporting director respectively in recent seasons.
PA has contacted McLaren and Red Bull for comment.
