A major technical shake-up could be brewing in Formula 1, with reports in the Dutch media suggesting that Gianpiero Lambiase, long-time race engineer to Max Verstappen, is set to leave Red Bull Racing and join McLaren when his current contract expires, with a potential move taking effect in 2028.
According to reports from De Limburger and De Telegraaf, an agreement is already in place, with McLaren reportedly winning a highly competitive bidding war that also included Aston Martin and Williams. The deal is said to include a significant financial upgrade and a broader technical leadership role within the team structure.
Lambiase’s expected departure would add to a growing list of senior technical exits at Red Bull in recent years, including figures such as Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley, highlighting an ongoing restructuring of the team’s long-standing dominance cycle.
The timing is particularly sensitive for Red Bull. After the opening races of the 2026 season, Verstappen has struggled to match expectations in the standings, while McLaren continues to position itself as a growing force alongside Ferrari and Mercedes in both championships.
There is also speculation that Lambiase’s arrival could coincide with further reshuffles at McLaren, depending on the future of team principal Andrea Stella, who has been linked with a possible move to Ferrari in the long term.
Neither Red Bull nor McLaren have officially commented on the reports.