The four-time world champion has finally spoken out after the announcement of his engineer’s departure. A reaction full of clarity… and elegance.
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The announcement shook the entire paddock: Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull to join McLaren by 2028. A decision with significant consequences, as his partnership with Max Verstappen has marked the recent history of Formula 1.
Since 2016, the two men have built a formidable duo, accumulating world titles and victories. Their rapport, often heard on the radio, has been a key pillar of the Dutchman’s success. This departure thus ends one of the most effective collaborations of the modern era.
Verstappen fully supports his engineer
Contrary to what some might have imagined, Verstappen expressed neither frustration nor concern. On the contrary, he encouraged Lambiase to seize this opportunity.
“He explained to me the offer he had received. I told him: ‘You’d be crazy not to accept it’” the driver confides. A strong reaction that illustrates the mutual respect between the two men.
The Dutchman also emphasizes the personal context of this decision: “With his family and the security it provides, it’s an incredible opportunity” he adds.
Before committing, Lambiase even sought his driver’s approval, proof of the close relationship that binds them.
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A new chapter begins at Red Bull
This departure is part of a broader transition period for Red Bull, already marked by several major internal changes in recent months. For Verstappen, this separation comes after an exceptional period of success.
“We have already achieved everything together” he recalls, as if to underline that a cycle is naturally coming to an end.
But this evolution also raises a question: that of the driver’s future within the team. In the past, Verstappen had hinted that Lambiase’s presence was a key factor in his willingness to stay at Red Bull. A statement that had fueled speculation about his future.
However, the situation seems to have evolved. His father, Jos Verstappen, recently stated that this departure should not call into question his son’s career continuation. In a more challenging sporting context — the Dutchman currently ranking far down after a difficult start to the season — this stability could prove crucial.
Between loyalty and pragmatism
Verstappen’s reaction perfectly illustrates his state of mind: a mix of loyalty to his team and pragmatism towards career opportunities.
Rather than holding back his engineer, he chose to fully support him, even if it means the end of a key partnership. A choice that says a lot about the champion’s maturity… and could mark the beginning of a new era, both for him and for Red Bull.
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