Formula 1 experienced another important chapter behind the scenes at Red Bull during the April break, with the confirmation that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team before the 2028 season to take a senior position at McLaren. Max Verstappen stated that he did not try to prevent the move and made it clear that the engineer has his approval to follow the new path.
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The partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase is one of the most successful in the history of the category, with 71 wins and four driver titles, second only to the duo Lewis Hamilton and Peter Bonnington. Even so, the Dutchman said he understands the decision, citing the financial offer that led the engineer to switch from Milton Keynes to Woking.
When asked about old statements in which he suggested not wanting to race without Lambiase by his side, Verstappen admitted that he will have to adapt. “Well, otherwise, I don’t race,” he said, explaining that he will have to work with another professional when the change is finalized.
Verstappen also stated that it would be wrong to try to hold the engineer back. “I would be an idiot if I tried to keep him. It’s not just about me all the time,” he said, highlighting that the decision also involves Lambiase’s own career and his next steps.
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The four-time world champion also emphasized the direct relationship he maintains with the engineer and indicated that everything was handled transparently. “We have a very honest and open relationship, so it was all fine,” he commented, reinforcing that he has already wished his colleague success and that “there are no hard feelings.”
Finally, Verstappen denied that Lambiase’s departure has any weight in a decision about staying at Red Bull long-term. “It has nothing to do with that,” he answered directly.
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