As has been widely speculated in recent times, Formula 1 could experience a major change in the future with the possible departure of Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing. Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren in 2028, which was announced this Thursday (09), raises questions about whether the four-time champion could also follow the same path as his race engineer.
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Verstappen and Lambiase form one of the longest-lasting partnerships on the grid, having worked together for about ten years. The relationship between driver and engineer has always been marked by strong trust, as well as frequent radio debates, something that former consultant Helmut Marko and former team principal Christian Horner even compared to an ‘old married couple’.
Despite the close connection, there is no guarantee that Verstappen will automatically move to McLaren. According to GPblog, the Dutch driver intends to first evaluate what the scenario within Red Bull will be like before making any decision about the future.
After winning his first F1 title in 2021, Verstappen even linked his stay with the team to Lambiase’s continuity: “I told him that I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too,” he said at the time, during an interview at the end of that year with Ziggo Sport.
The Dutch driver also highlighted the direct dynamic between the two: “It’s incredible how we work together. Sometimes we can be quite hard on each other, but that’s what I want. He needs to be able to tell me when I’m wrong, and I also need to be able to say the same to him. I’ve always said that,” he added.
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However, these statements were made almost five years ago, and the current scenario may be different. The relationship of trust continues, but in 2024 Verstappen had already indicated that Lambiase could seek new challenges at the end of his contract, something that was confirmed with McLaren’s interest.
The British team may even have space in its lineup for 2028. Lando Norris’s contract runs until 2027, while Oscar Piastri’s deal is expected to last until the end of 2028. Furthermore, performance clauses are common in Formula 1, which could open up early possibilities for an eventual move by the four-time champion.
Even so, this change is not certain. Verstappen has already shown dissatisfaction with current Formula 1 cars and has also stated that he does not rule out an early retirement. Therefore, before any decision, the Dutchman intends to observe how the situation will evolve within Red Bull Racing itself and also in the category.
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