Max Verstappen: Gianpiero and I are lifelong friends.

      The upcoming transition of Gianpiero "Gigi" Lambiasse to McLaren will be talked about for a long time, if only because it is set to happen only in 2028. But for now, this topic remains in the spotlight of the press, and until recently, the opinion of the Verstappen family on this matter was known only through the words of Jos, the father of the four-time world champion, and from anonymous sources at Red Bull Racing.

      But now the driver himself has given a rather detailed response to the question about Lambiasse during the recording of the Viaplay program "An Evening with Max Verstappen."

      "Of course, I have a very good relationship with Gianpiero," Max said. "He even shared with me what kind of offer he received from McLaren. I told him: 'You will make a mistake if you don’t accept it.'

      We have already achieved everything, won the world championship several times. And who knows, maybe in the future we will work together again, but outside of Formula 1. We are friends for life. We are still young, and he received an incredibly lucrative offer that guarantees a secure future for his family. That also needs to be taken into account.

      In general, I told him that this offer must be accepted. And that was exactly what he wanted to hear. I do not express my dissatisfaction to him and am not that upset. When it comes to racing, we have really achieved a lot together, and I can't tell him: 'No, I want to keep you in the team.' Everyone has their own dreams and goals."