Max Verstappen's exit talk grows as trusted Red Bull aide in talks for McLaren switch

Max Verstappen faces renewed uncertainty at Red Bull Racing as reports suggest his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase could join McLaren in 2027.

In Short

• Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase may join McLaren in 2027
• Verstappen earlier said that he would leave should Lambiase exit the team
• Red Bull faces significant upheaval with several key staff departures

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen is once again at the centre of exit speculation after reports suggested that his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase could leave Red Bull Racing for McLaren at the end of 2027. The potential departure of one of Verstappen’s closest allies has raised fresh questions over the Dutchman’s long-term future with the team.

This development comes amid a period of significant upheaval at Red Bull, with several high-profile exits already reshaping the team’s structure.

Lambiase has been with Red Bull since 2014 and has served as Verstappen’s race engineer throughout his time with the team, while also holding the role of Head of Racing. According to reports from Dutch outlet De Limburger, the Italian-British engineer has been offered a lucrative deal by McLaren that far exceeds his current contract, which runs until the end of 2027.

“I have said to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too,” Verstappen had earlier said, underlining the importance of his relationship with Lambiase.

Red Bull have already witnessed a series of major departures over the past 18 months, including key figures such as Adrian Newey, Jonathan Wheatley, Christian Horner, and Helmut Marko. These exits have contributed to growing uncertainty around the team’s stability and long-term competitiveness.

VERSTAPPEN'S FUTURE IN FOCUS

“That’s what I’m saying. I’m thinking about everything inside this paddock. Privately, I’m very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time, it’s 22. But normally, 24. And then you just think about, is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you’re not enjoying your sport?” he told BBC Radio 5 Live, hinting at a possible rethink over his future in the sport.

The possible exit of Lambiase could prove to be a decisive factor in Verstappen’s future at Red Bull. The Dutch driver has already expressed reservations about the upcoming regulation changes in Formula 1 set for 2026, which include a 50-50 power unit split and other technical overhauls.

With internal changes at Red Bull and evolving dynamics within the sport, speculation continues to mount over whether Verstappen could seek a move elsewhere or even consider stepping away from Formula One altogether.

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