Gianpiero Lambiase sees a ‘better future’ away from Red Bull even if Max Verstappen were to stay

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Gianpiero Lambiase reportedly agreed a move to McLaren before the 2026 Formula 1 season began after seeing a ‘better future’ away from Red Bull.

On Thursday morning, the F1 world was shocked by the news that Lambiase had agreed to leave Red Bull in 2028 to join McLaren.

The 45-year-old, who has worked as Max Verstappen’s race engineer, was first rumoured to become team principal of McLaren, with Andrea Stella linked with a move to Ferrari.

However, a statement from McLaren later confirmed that Lambiase will, in fact, be the Chief Racing Officer and will report to Stella, who is to remain as team principal.

Will Max Verstappen keep his word as Gianperio Lambiase leaves Red Bull?

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Gianpiero Lambiase reached ‘agreement’ with McLaren before 2026 season

Speaking about the situation on the latest episode of The Race F1 Podcast, journalist Jon Noble claimed that Lambiase and McLaren had agreed on a move before the 2026 season even began.

Noble then pointed out that Lambiase’s wish to depart Red Bull has nothing to do with Verstappen’s own exit rumours.

He said: “It’d be wrong to say that GP has made this decision because Max has made his decision on his future. The timeline is almost separate.

“From what I understand, the deal was reached before the start of the season, an agreement at least. He’s obviously been pondering things over the winter; that’s why Aston Martin had been sniffing around.”

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Noble also hinted that Lambiase ’sees a better future’ away from Red Bull.

He added: “This was independent, but as Max’s dislike of the new rules became very clear during pre-season testing, his unhappiness about things at the start of this season. I think you can see the direction of travel.

“So while there’s not one moment that said this is where they both decided they’re out, I think you can see that Lambiase sees a better future outside of Red Bull and doesn’t feel that there are any requirements to fulfil and stay for Max because potentially Max isn’t going to be there either.”

READ MORE: Gianpiero Lambiase could now leave Red Bull for McLaren much sooner than expected

Zak Brown ‘excited’ to work with Gianpiero Lambiase after McLaren move confirmed

Taking to social media, McLaren CEO Zak Brown expressed his excitement over Lambiase’s arrival in 2028.

He wrote on X: “Happy to share that Gianpiero Lambiase will join the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Chief Racing Officer, reporting into Team Principal Andrea Stella, when his contract ends no later than 2028.

“He joins an incredible team under Andrea’s leadership, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.”

With Lambiase joining, McLaren are truly assembling a team of superstars who could be vital as they look to continue building on their recent success.

For 2026, McLaren will have to find more performance in the months ahead as they bid to catch up with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari.