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Gianpiero Lambiase looks to be McLaren-bound for the 2028 Formula 1 season, and he could be able to leave Red Bull earlier than anticipated.
Max Verstappen’s race engineer has been linked with a move away from Milton Keynes for some time. Lambiase was in talks with Williams and was heavily linked with Aston Martin, but he committed to Red Bull for 2026.
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The news comes from Erik van Haren of De Telegraaf
However, after three races of the season, it has emerged that the Brit is on the move. Lambiase is joining McLaren, having worked alongside Verstappen since the Dutchman joined the team in 2016.
Lambiase has overseen Verstappen’s four drivers’ titles, as well as two constructors’ championships in that time. But now, he is set for a new challenge at McLaren, and it could come sooner than expected.
Gianpiero Lambiase could leave Red Bull at the end of the 2026 season
It has been reported that Lambiase is set to join the Woking outfit in 2028, after his contract expires at Red Bull.
Naturally, the British engineer will be expected to undergo a period of gardening leave with the team. However, an early exit could be possible.
A report from Motorsport Italia claims that gardening leave is ‘very likely’ for Lambiase. Subsequently, a departure from Red Bull at the end of 2026 ‘cannot be ruled out’.
If a deal is agreed, Lambiase could start work with McLaren as early as 2027. He will be reuniting with Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, who also left Red Bull, among other key figures, in the past few months.
READ MORE: All to know about Max Verstappen’s F1 race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase
What will Gianpiero Lambiase’s role at McLaren be?
Lambiase’s move came with another shocking piece of news. It has been reported that McLaren team principal Andrea Stella could be set to leave the team amid links to his former team, Ferrari.
It has been suggested that Stella has already signed with Ferrari. It has not been confirmed, but it would be natural to assume that he would be replacing Fred Vasseur as team principal, and Lambiase would be taking his role at McLaren.
Will Max Verstappen keep his word as Gianperio Lambiase leaves Red Bull?
However, McLaren ‘insiders’ have denied claims that Stella is leaving for Ferrari in 2028. Instead, it has been said that Lambiase will be coming in to support the Italian in a more senior role and for a bigger salary.
Whatever the case, the Red Bull race engineer looks to be out of Milton Keynes, giving the team another major blow for their F1 project.
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