Red Bull urged to be ‘wise’ with Gianpiero Lambiase’s McLaren move due to Max Verstappen effect

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Giedo van der Garde thinks Red Bull would be “wise” to keep Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen’s race engineer as long as they can before he joins McLaren in 2028.

Lambiase has agreed to join McLaren after spending the past 11 years at Red Bull, including working alongside Verstappen since 2016, after being offered the role of chief racing officer. The British-Italian engineer will report into team boss Andrea Stella when he joins McLaren.

Verstappen inherited Lambiase as his engineer upon graduating from Toro Rosso to Red Bull. The Dutchman has also enjoyed all of the successes that he has achieved so far in Formula 1 with Lambiase in his ear, including winning four drivers’ titles and taking 71 Grand Prix wins.

Given their relationship, Lambiase kept Verstappen informed about his potential move from Red Bull to McLaren. Verstappen told Lambiase to “seize” a move to McLaren, as he knows that it is a “huge opportunity” for his engineer to be able to take the next step in his career.

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Giedo van der Garde urges Red Bull to keep Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen’s race engineer ‘as long as possible’

But Van der Garde feels Red Bull would be “wise” to make Lambiase stay as long as possible, given the value of his partnership with Verstappen. Lambiase is not set to join McLaren until the 2028 F1 season, though, as Red Bull want the 45-year-old to see out his contract in full.

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

“First of all, it is a wonderful opportunity for Lambiase,” Van der Garde told Formule1.NL. “If you can advance to the role of team principal at a top team like McLaren, you have to seize that opportunity with both hands. He wholeheartedly deserves it.

“Not only from me, but also from the Verstappens. Lambiase has always been very loyal to Max, and they had a fantastic time together, resulting in four titles.

“Despite knowing that Lambiase is moving to a direct competitor, I do believe that he should be able to continue fulfilling his current role until the very last day.

“He is a valuable asset to the team and to Max. If they are wise at Red Bull, they will keep that partnership intact for as long as possible.”

Lambiase is under contract to Red Bull through 2027, which means McLaren would need to secure an agreement with their rivals from Milton Keynes for Verstappen’s race engineer to join sooner than 2028. Red Bull may also make Lambiase serve a period of gardening leave.

It is also possible that Red Bull could sideline Lambiase throughout 2027 due to his move to McLaren, thus removing any fears that he might take their secrets to Woking in 2028. Along with serving as Verstappen’s race engineer, Lambiase also acts as Red Bull’s head of racing.

So, unlike Van der Garde, David Coulthard fears it could become “awkward” if Red Bull keep Lambiase in 2027, as the team would likely then have to leave Verstappen’s engineer out of any meetings about developing their car – which could even affect his role on their pit wall.