A former F1 driver drops a bombshell on Max Verstappen’s future. According to him, the world champion will leave Red Bull even before his long-time engineer.
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The driver market could be heading for another unexpected turn. Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde has put forward a strong theory: Max Verstappen would leave Red Bull before Gianpiero Lambiase, who was nevertheless announced to be leaving.
This statement comes as the Italian engineer, Verstappen’s iconic voice on the radio for several years, is set to join McLaren from 2028 in a management role. A major behind-the-scenes change that could reshuffle the cards.
“I’m betting on Max”: an unambiguous position
Asked who would leave Red Bull first, van der Garde left no room for doubt. For him, the current situation of the team is pushing Verstappen towards the exit, possibly as early as the end of the season.
“I’m betting on Max. Red Bull doesn’t have its affairs in order, and Max wants a car capable of winning races and titles. It’s as simple as that,” he asserts.
The former driver goes even further by mentioning an imminent departure.
“I also think Max will take a new step after this season,” he adds, implying that a transfer might already be in preparation.
A worrying dynamic at Red Bull
This analysis is based on the recent difficulties encountered by Red Bull. After a period of domination, the team seems to have lost its brilliance, especially in the face of increasingly performing competition.
Despite an improvement in the second half of the previous season under the direction of Laurent Mekies, winter marked a new setback. This context fuels doubts about the team’s ability to offer Verstappen a single-seater capable of competing for titles in the short term.
As for Gianpiero Lambiase, the move to McLaren is perceived as a major opportunity. After accompanying Verstappen in his four world titles, the Italian engineer could take a significant step in his career.
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“It’s an incredible opportunity for Lambiase. To be able to move into a boss role in a top team like McLaren, you have to seize it,” estimates van der Garde.
He also highlights the strong and loyal relationship between Lambiase and the Verstappen clan.
“He has always been very loyal to Max, and they have had an exceptional adventure together with four titles to their name,” he recalls.
A collaboration to preserve until the end
Despite this planned departure to a direct competitor, van der Garde believes that Red Bull would have every interest in maintaining this collaboration intact until the last moment.
According to him, Lambiase remains a key element for the team as well as for Verstappen. Breaking this bond prematurely would be a strategic error in an already fragile context.
“Even knowing that he’s going to join a rival, I think he must continue his work until the last day. He’s a valuable asset for the team and for Max,” he concludes.
One thing is certain: between sporting uncertainties, behind-the-scenes movements, and personal ambitions, Verstappen’s future at Red Bull has never seemed so unclear.
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