Stella dismisses the speculation surrounding the 'pre-contract'.

      Andrea Stella has rejected the notion that Gianpiero Lambiase was attracted to McLaren solely for financial reasons, as speculation surrounding the high-profile move continues. Even Jos Verstappen implied that the arrangement was motivated by money, stating that his son Max’s Red Bull engineer joined "because they offer him a lot of money." However, Stella asserts that the appeal lies more in McLaren's trajectory than in salaries.

      "Gianpiero's joining will bring significant expertise and potential to the team for the long term," he remarked. "Simultaneously, it further validates how appealing McLaren has become to the top talents in Formula 1. This credibility we've established is due to the dedicated efforts of all the individuals at McLaren over recent years, who have worked to cultivate a culture that promotes growth and collaboration towards a shared goal in a healthy and enjoyable environment."

      He noted that Lambiase’s forthcoming role—Chief Racing Officer—reflects the team’s long-term planning rather than a desire for immediate sensationalism. "Gianpiero's joining is like the classic icing on a cake that already has all the right components," Stella stated. "For me, he will play a crucial role, taking on the position of Chief Racing Officer, a role I currently hold in addition to my responsibilities as team principal. It’s clear that, with this strategy, the dual position I presently occupy cannot be maintained over time."

      Stella also dismissed speculation that this appointment indicates his own potential future move—rumored to be a return to Ferrari. "To be honest, some of the recent rumors, including those about astronomical salaries and mythical pre-contracts, have amused me," he stated. "It seems like the silly season, which typically starts before summer, has begun early. I'm quite accustomed to this kind of thing by now, and I take it with a smile."

      At Red Bull, meanwhile, former advisor Dr. Helmut Marko confirmed that a succession plan is already underway. "Successful individuals are continually being attracted elsewhere, and Lambiase was in the spotlight because of Max," he told Osterreich. "They’ve brought in a replacement from Ferrari." The individual in question is believed to be Andrea Landi, who will assume the role of Head of Performance starting in July, following prior positions at Ferrari and Racing Bulls.