Gianpiero Lambiase, the Max Verstappen race engineer, will remain with Red Bull until at least 2026, ending speculation he might leave or transition to a new role. This decision eliminates rumors linking Lambiase to senior positions elsewhere and assures Verstappen continued support from his trusted engineer as both look toward future Formula 1 seasons.
Red Bull Secures Key Technical Figure Amid Team Rumors
Recent reports indicate that Gianpiero Lambiase, known as “GP” within the Formula 1 paddock, will keep his position as Max Verstappen’s race engineer through 2026. Despite interest from teams such as Aston Martin for potential senior positions, and consideration of an internal promotion at Red Bull, Lambiase has opted to continue working directly with Verstappen. Dutch journalist Erik van Haren shared that Lambiase also remains Head of Race Engineering for Red Bull and has a contract in place through the end of 2027, meaning any move away from the team would involve significant contractual negotiations and likely a gardening leave period before joining a rival.
Lambiase’s importance to Red Bull and Verstappen has become more prominent during recent off-seasons, as Verstappen’s consistent on-track results have often been attributed to their partnership. Since 2016, when Verstappen debuted for Red Bull as a teenager, the bond between the Dutch world champion and his British engineer has grown, contributing to Verstappen’s rise in the sport and his recent run of titles. The Red Bull camp, and Verstappen himself, have expressed nothing but confidence in the working relationship, which has been described as a driving force behind the team’s Formula 1 success.
Background on Lambiase’s Speculated Offers
In the months leading to this confirmation, speculation was rife that Lambiase could take a step up within Red Bull or move to Aston Martin in a leading executive position, possibly even as CEO or team principal. However, the report from Erik van Haren, distributed by Dutch media, made it clear that Lambiase will continue in his current race day role. His contract with Red Bull, extending through 2027, makes an abrupt move improbable without significant compensation and a mandatory leave period to protect Red Bull’s competitive interests.
The decision solidifies stability within Red Bull’s technical team as they prepare for regulation changes and championship battles in the coming seasons. For Verstappen, the continued presence of Lambiase means his familiar support system will remain unchanged, helping him to pursue further titles alongside his longstanding engineer and advisor in the Red Bull garage.
Praise for Verstappen’s On-Track Abilities
Commenting on Verstappen’s capabilities, former Formula 1 driver Derek Daly has commended the Dutch driver’s ability to analyze and respond to race situations at a level above his peers. Daly pointed to Verstappen’s skill in handling pressure and extracting performance from his car as unique among current drivers.
“Max has a unique ability to read his environment much more than any other driver on the grid. He’s able to read and process and make decisions about things that are happening instantaneously on the racetrack – at the race start, at the first corner.,”
said Daly.
— Derek Daly, Former F1 Driver
“And he has a higher ability to put himself in a position to be successful more than any other driver. So he knows that you’ve got to try and qualify on the pole. He has that light-fingered, light-touch ability to get the car right on the limit more than any other driver in F1 today,”
he added.
— Derek Daly, Former F1 Driver
Daly elaborated that Verstappen is able to control his emotions during high-stress moments in races, making calm and calculated decisions from the start. He considers Verstappen’s current form to be at a level he hasn’t seen in many years within Formula 1 competition.
Looking Ahead for Red Bull and Verstappen
The confirmation of Gianpiero Lambiase’s commitment to Red Bull through 2026 delivers continuity to the team and to Max Verstappen as Formula 1 heads into a highly competitive era. The relationship between Verstappen and his engineer has already produced multiple world titles and established Red Bull as a dominant presence in the sport. With both remaining in their roles, fans and rivals alike can expect Red Bull to be a main contender in upcoming seasons, as they aim to maintain their competitive edge amid evolving team and technical landscapes.
