The Max Verstappen saga takes a new explosive turn. Already critical of the 2026 rules, the Dutchman now sees his loyal engineer Gianpiero Lambiase preparing to leave Red Bull Racing. A sequence that could well precipitate a radical decision.
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Since 2016, Gianpiero Lambiase has been much more than just an engineer for Max Verstappen at Red Bull. He is his direct relay on track, a pillar in his successes, and a central element of his comfort within the team. Their duo has been one of the strongest on the grid.
But this relationship will soon come to an end, and the consequences could be heavy. Former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer does not hide his concern
“That’s exactly how I see things. We are already talking about a probable departure of Max at some point” he explains.
A worrying sporting dynamic
At the same time, the sporting situation is not reassuring. Red Bull is no longer the untouchable team of recent seasons, and Verstappen has never hidden his discomfort with the new cars. This accumulation of factors fuels speculation.
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“Red Bull is not competitive at the moment and does not have the easiest trajectory to become competitive again” adds Palmer, pointing to a worrying trend.
For many observers, Lambiase’s departure to McLaren could be the breaking point. His role as a link between the driver and the team is considered irreplaceable in the current balance.
“For me, GP is a key piece, he links the driver and the team, insists Palmer. I don’t see him staying very long, probably not beyond the end of this season.”.
In this context, it is hard to imagine a peaceful future for Verstappen at Red Bull. Between frustrations, internal changes, and loss of bearings, a departure has never seemed so close.
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