Formula 1 is once again seeing important movements behind the scenes, after the confirmation of Gianpiero Lambiase’s move from Red Bull Racing to McLaren. Jos Verstappen gave a direct explanation for the change and downplayed other factors pointed out by the British team.
Read more F1: Binotto on Audi’s disadvantage with rivals: «It’s not just power»
Max Verstappen’s current race engineer, known as ‘GP’, will leave Red Bull by 2028 at the latest to take on the role of Chief Racing Officer at McLaren. The transfer extends the list of important names who have recently left the Milton Keynes-based team.
Max Verstappen had already commented on Lambiase’s departure, revealing that the engineer asked for his opinion before accepting the offer: “We have already achieved everything together and then he receives a fantastic offer, especially thinking about family and the security that this would bring,” said the four-time champion.
The Dutch driver also stated that he encouraged the move: “He asked for my approval, so to speak, and I said he had to accept. He really wanted to hear that from me,” added Verstappen, highlighting the solidity of the relationship built over ten years of partnership.
Following the repercussion of the hiring, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated that Lambiase’s arrival demonstrates how attractive the team had become to the best talents in Formula 1. According to the executive, the hiring will bring ‘great potential for the future of the team’.
Read more F1: Williams sees season break as a chance for a comeback in 2026
However, Jos responded directly to this assessment on social media. Commenting on a post about Stella’s statement, the former F1 driver was succinct: “Because they are offering a lot of money,” he stated.
Jos had previously indicated that the decision was understandable, stating that the group had known about the possibility for some time and that Lambiase should take the opportunity. The most recent response, however, reinforces the pragmatic view of the change.
Although the financial details of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, Stella reiterated that the engineer’s arrival represents a long-term investment. Lambiase’s transfer, therefore, reinforces the intense movement behind the scenes of Formula 1, with teams competing for prominent professionals for the coming years.
Read more F1: Sainz says he already expected difficulties from Williams in 2026
