The ongoing Max Verstappen Red Bull fracture has intensified as Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s longtime race engineer, is reportedly in discussions to depart Red Bull Racing after the 2025 season. Multiple sources indicate Lambiase, a key figure in Verstappen’s success, is engaging in talks with Williams and Aston Martin about potential roles away from the Milton Keynes-based team.
Potential Departures Shake Up Red Bull’s Inner Circle
The Red Bull Racing leadership, famously dubbed the “dream team” during its championship runs with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, is experiencing significant change. Helmut Marko has already stated he will leave Red Bull at the close of 2025, while the departure of technical chief Adrian Newey further highlights the ongoing instability. The team has also faced earlier controversies, beginning with allegations directed at Christian Horner and culminating with his removal as team boss following a challenging start to the 2025 season.
Lambiase’s Options Beyond Red Bull
Gianpiero Lambiase, known for his close working relationship with Verstappen, is currently linked to positions at both Williams and Aston Martin. Lambiase has reportedly held discussions with Williams since the season drew to a close, as the Grove squad looks to rebuild and return to competitiveness. More recently, Aston Martin has entered the picture, offering Lambiase a high-ranking management position that would not require him to travel to every race, a consideration that reportedly aligns with his current personal priorities.
The Aston Martin offer is seen as particularly attractive because it would potentially reunite Lambiase with Adrian Newey, who is already set to join the team. Some sources suggest Lambiase has even been considered for senior leadership roles such as Team Principal or CEO at Aston Martin.
Lambiase’s importance to the team and Verstappen is well-known, and his emotional reaction following the dramatic 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—where Verstappen lost the championship by two points—emphasized the close bond and pressure that has existed within Red Bull’s ranks.
Possible Reunion at Aston Martin in the Near Future?
Speculation has surfaced throughout the year linking Max Verstappen to teams such as Aston Martin and Mercedes, given the turbulent situation at Red Bull. Despite this, Verstappen publicly reaffirmed his commitment to remain at Red Bull for the 2026 season, although his contract reportedly contains exit clauses that allow for flexibility.
Ahead of 2026, Aston Martin is making significant moves, having secured Adrian Newey and joined forces with Honda. Reports now suggest that Lambiase has been offered a role, further fueling rumors of a wider “dream team” reunion at the Silverstone-based squad.
Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team boss, had previously been mentioned as a possible addition to Aston Martin but now appears to be focusing on acquiring a stake in Alpine. Nevertheless, with Fernando Alonso’s contract with Aston Martin running until the end of 2026, Verstappen’s future could align with the Silverstone team should he choose to depart Red Bull, potentially paving the way for a reunion with key allies like Newey and Lambiase.
The next months are likely to shape not only Max Verstappen’s career trajectory but also the competitive landscape of Formula 1, as shifting allegiances and new leadership structures take hold across the top teams.
