Max Verstappen’s Miami radio proves why Red Bull cannot let Gianpiero Lambiase join McLaren early

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Gianpiero Lambiase is leaving Red Bull for McLaren in 2028, but deals like this usually see teams facilitate an earlier exit. However, this cannot happen, as the Miami Grand Prix has proven.

Lambiase has served as Max Verstappen’s race engineer since the Dutchman joined the team in 2016. Together, they have created one of F1’s best and most infamous partnerships, winning four world championships and 71 races.

In 2028, that relationship will end as the British engineer is McLaren-bound. Verstappen told Lambiase to take McLaren’s offer, saying that it was too good an opportunity to pass.

Rank each of McLaren’s recent hires from Red Bull out of 10 after signing Gianpiero Lambiase

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In some cases like this, F1 teams often try to move the boundaries and allow an earlier departure. Laurent Mekies insists Lambiase will honour his contract and leave in 2028, but many have called for Red Bull to let him go early.

Alex Brundle says Lambiase must leave Red Bull in 2027 as he is no longer committed to the team long-term. However, he is continuing to show that he is vital to Verstappen in 2026, and his radio communication in Miami is hard evidence.

Gianpiero Lambiase found Max Verstappen 2.5 tenths in Q3 in Miami GP – Red Bull have to keep him until 2028

Verstappen produced a shock result in qualifying at the Miami Grand Prix, lining his RB22 up on the front row behind Kimi Antonelli. The 28-year-old had not been in contention before the race, with Red Bull struggling to perform with the new regulations.

The team brought numerous upgrades to Miami, and Verstappen used them to find more comfort in the car. But Lambiase also played his role, as he privately found a solution to give his driver an extra 2.5 tenths in the first sector in Q3, as journalist Nelson Valkenburg noted.

“It is unexpected, and you could tell from his reaction afterwards how incredibly buoyed he is and how unexpected it was,” he said via the Chequered Flag podcast.

“When he came to the pen, he carried himself so differently to Japan or China, and he feels reborn. In the break we had him in the theatre with us at Viaplay and he was very frank about needing something to put his teeth into, and I think he has it.

“And what was interesting, when you listen to his conversation with Lambiase, with Gianpiero Lambiase about the first sector and Lambiase said, ‘I have a solution but come to the pit lane and I’ll tell you’ and not over, basically the airways.

“And he found two and a half tenths on his last lap in the first sector. This relationship, like Bono and Antonelli, is firing on all cylinders.”

To find that extra time in a car that is not capable of winning, it not only shows Verstappen’s incredible talent, but also how important Lambiase is to him and how he can go that extra mile to optimise performance.

Mekies has to stay true to his word and keep Lambiase on board until his contract expires. Red Bull must make the most of the Brit’s time left with them, as he could play a key role in getting Verstappen back on top.

READ MORE: All to know about Max Verstappen’s F1 race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase

What will Gianpiero Lambiase’s role at McLaren be?

Discussion around Lambiase and whether he will leave Red Bull early is certain to continue until he actually does wear the papaya of McLaren.

Zak Brown admits it could be ‘uncomfortable’ if Lambiase continues with Red Bull until 2028, as he knows that one of his future employees is still working for a direct rival.

Lambiase will report to Andrea Stella at McLaren as Chief Racing Officer, despite reports claiming that he would be replacing the Italian as team principal. Stella was linked with Ferrari, but the Woking outfit denied these claims.

But the situation has become more complex, as Mekies and Red Bull believe Lambiase will become McLaren team principal. It could be another case of the Milton Keynes outfit trying to stir the pot to unnerve their rivals after they stole another key member of their operation.