An explosive scenario is currently unfolding in Formula 1, with a real game of musical chairs: Andrea Stella has reportedly already signed a pre-contract to make his return to Ferrari in the near future.
Having arrived at McLaren in 2015 after a long period at Maranello, he has played a central role in the team’s spectacular transformation since his appointment as team principal at the end of 2022, notably leading to a constructors’ title in 2024 and then a dominant 2025 season crowned by the drivers’ title of Lando Norris.
Anticipating this departure, McLaren has reportedly already prepared his succession by securing the arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase as team principal starting in 2028.
Domino effect
Currently a key figure at Red Bull, where he holds the role of head of race operations while being the race engineer for Max Verstappen, Lambiase is recognized as one of the sharpest profiles in the paddock. His recruitment is part of a clear desire to maintain a high level of operational and strategic standards within McLaren.
For Red Bull, this potential loss would represent another blow in a period already marked by several significant departures. But the most sensitive impact directly concerns Verstappen, whose relationship with Lambiase is at the heart of his championship successes. Their technical and human bond constitutes a structural element of the Dutchman’s performance, and its disappearance could weigh on his reflections regarding his medium-term future.
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In what position at Maranello?
On Ferrari’s side, Stella’s probable return is part of a reconstruction strategy aimed at regaining stability and efficiency at the top. This move could, however, weaken the position of Frédéric Vasseur, despite an encouraging start to the season. It is also not excluded that Stella integrates into the structure set up by the French manager, for example to oversee the technical and sporting directions.
Before joining McLaren ten years ago, he had worked for fifteen seasons at the Scuderia, holding various positions as he progressed.
If these transfers materialize, they will not represent simple personnel changes, but rather a profound reshaping of the internal balances between the top teams, with potentially major consequences for the sporting hierarchy of the coming seasons.