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Red Bull could be in store for another shock departure and dent in their personnel with the news that Gianpiero Lambiase is exploring the possibility of changing teams.
The Briton has been Max Verstappen’s race engineer since he joined them at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, and has an excellent working relationship with him.
They have the sort of bond that is really hard to come by, and Red Bull will want to keep it going as long as possible.
Their interactions are effortlessly funny, and Lambiase has basically coached him from being a fresh-faced 18-year-old into a four-time drivers’ championship winner.
Which F1 team should Gianpiero Lambiase join if he leaves Red Bull in 2026?
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Red Bull have decided on Verstappen’s new race engineer and will promote from within their building in the event that Lambiase leaves them.
Lambiase is in ‘ongoing’ talks with Williams, as they attempt to intercept an approach by Aston Martin to acquire his services.
READ MORE: How Adrian Newey would feel about Gianpiero Lambiase joining Aston Martin from Red Bull
Gianpiero Lambiase wants to limit his F1 responsibilities and travel in 2026
F1 fans think Aston Martin will target Verstappen in the event that his current race engineer leaves to join them. It would be the end of an era for the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
Red Bull are worried about the effects on Verstappen if Lambiase follows through with any plans to join a rival. They won’t want to destabilise their superstar.
According to Sky Sport DE, there are two reasons why Lambiase may be seeking a new challenge for the 2026 F1 regulations.
Not only does he want to decrease his trackside responsibilities, but he also wants to travel to races less throughout the season.
At the age of 45, going to 24 separate events, as well as testing, can take a toll on the body. It’s part of what the fans don’t see.
It’s why leaving Red Bull feels like a genuine possibility for Lambiase, who has been with the team for just over 10 years now.
READ MORE: When Gianpiero Lambiase privately admitted Max Verstappen made him ‘look like an idiot’ after orders
Why Gianpiero Lambiase’s potential Red Bull departure couldn’t have been timed worse for them
With a lot of pressure on Red Bull Powertrains to deliver immediately with their first engine, 2026 could be a difficult season for them.
They have to prove to Verstappen that they can still compete for victories now that their six-year partnership with Honda (albeit on and off) has ended.
Pair a turbulent start to the campaign with losing Lambiase, and one wouldn’t consider it too difficult to convince Verstappen to leave and rejoin some of his old pals.
That’s what Aston Martin may be able to offer, with the likes of Adrian Newey, and potentially Lambiase already there, paired with a big-money offer.
A new project could be quite motivating for the Dutchman after all, depending on how much loyalty he has to his current team.
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