One of the most striking partnerships in Formula 1 is coming to an end. Max Verstappen and his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, built a strong relationship at Red Bull Racing, but the engineer will leave the team by 2028 at the latest.
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The duo is considered one of the best known in the category, comparable to the partnership that existed between Lewis Hamilton and Peter Bonnington at Mercedes. With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari starting in 2025, Verstappen and Lambiase have become the longest-lasting partnership currently on the grid.
The bond between driver and engineer was strengthened over the years and gained even more strength during the intense 2021 season. At the time, Verstappen made it clear how important the relationship was, stating: “I told him that I only work with him. As soon as he leaves, I leave too,” said the Dutchman shortly after winning his first F1 title.
Lambiase has also highlighted the emotional side of the partnership. In an interview with the Talking Bull podcast, he commented that the intensity of 2021 was decisive in consolidating the relationship between the two: “I think 2021 was so intense that the relationship and the bond were cemented in that year, and after that it was just a continuation. I see him as my younger brother,” he said.
The 2025 season also brought difficult moments for the duo. Lambiase had to miss several races for personal reasons, while Verstappen staged a strong recovery in the championship, but ended up as runner-up by just two points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris.
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On the cool-down lap after the last race last year, the engineer sent an emotional message over the radio, reflecting the complicated year experienced by the team. Verstappen, in turn, highlighted the importance of the partnership when commenting on the moment at the FIA press conference.
“It was an emotional year. Forget the results of this year (2025). I don’t want to go into too much detail, but it was difficult,” the Dutchman stated. He also highlighted the personal side of the relationship: “I am very happy to work with someone so passionate. Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my brother,” he added.
Verstappen also highlighted his admiration for Lambiase’s work during the complicated period: “We have experienced so many exciting things together and fantastic achievements. I’m sure he was emotional after the checkered flag. I’m looking forward to meeting him, because it wasn’t easy for him. I am very proud to work with someone so good, a true example of someone who never gave up this season,” concluded the four-time champion after the Abu Dhabi GP that ended last season.
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