What Does Lambiase Leaving Red Bull Indicate About Verstappen’s Future in F1?

      Jeff Speer via Getty

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      Dutch journalist Jacky Martens appeared on Formula 1 photographer Kym Illman’s podcast Thursday morning, confirming a major rumor that’s been circulating for months: Gianpiero Lambiase, known as Max Verstappen's engineer, will leave Red Bull at the end of 2027 to join McLaren.

      Much like Mercedes’ "Bono," Lambiase has achieved Superstar Engineer status over the years due to his successful partnership with Verstappen. This has made him a target for recruitment by several teams in the paddock, including Aston Martin, Williams, McLaren, and even Ferrari. As I write this, McLaren has announced Lambiase’s appointment as Chief Racing Officer, where he will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella.

      While this move is certainly beneficial for Lambiase's career and financial situation, the more pressing question remains: what does this mean for Super Max?

      Mark Thompson via Getty

      It’s clear that things are not going well at Red Bull at the moment. Verstappen appears frustrated, which is understandable for a four-time F1 champion. Is he frustrated enough to leave? I believe the answer is yes. However, it will ultimately depend on the car's performance between the Miami race and the mandatory summer break. If significant improvements do not occur by then, I predict Verstappen will face a challenging decision about his future with Red Bull during the shutdown. The pressure is now on Laurent Mekies to deliver results.

      Nonetheless, to assume that the Milton Keynes team won’t be able to turn things around would be a serious oversight. The real question is how quickly they can do it. They are likely in the process of regrouping, adapting, and enhancing their performance—especially given the unexpected month-long hiatus due to the canceled Middle Eastern races.

      Kym Illman via Getty

      Verstappen has multiple options if he decides to continue his F1 career. In fact, almost every team in the pit lane would eagerly trade nearly everything they possess to sign him. I believe Mercedes poses the greatest threat to Red Bull. Toto Wolff has openly expressed his desire to secure Verstappen’s services. Who stands to lose the most from such a move? George Russell, naturally. The Brit has had a tumultuous time in Brackley, often being left waiting until the last moment for contract updates. With his teammate, the promising Kimi Antonelli, who represents the team’s future, currently outshining him, it seems increasingly likely that Wolff will make efforts to bring Verstappen on board.

      What about Aston Martin? Will Lawrence Stroll finally recognize that one of his two drivers needs to step aside for someone who can advance the team? Will it be his son, who will soon start racing GT cars, or will it be new dad Fernando Alonso? Regardless, it would require significant persuasion and a staggering salary to attract Verstappen’s management and him, particularly given the current difficulties with Honda. But then again, is there anything Daddy Stroll can't accomplish?

      What are your thoughts on Lambiase's departure and what it indicates for Verstappen's future?