Gianpiero Lambiase to Join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer for 2028 Season
In a move that reshapes the technical landscape of the Formula 1 paddock, Red Bull Racing’s key race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren. The announcement marks the end of one of the most successful driver-engineer partnerships in recent history, as Lambiase prepares to transition into a high-level executive role with the Woking-based squad.
Lambiase will step into the role of Chief Racing Officer at McLaren starting in the 2028 season. In this capacity, he will operate in a trackside role, providing critical support to Team Principal Andrea Stella. While the move is confirmed, Lambiase will remain with Red Bull Racing through the end of the 2027 season to fulfill his existing contractual obligations.
A “Once in a Lifetime” Opportunity
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has expressed full support for the move, describing the promotion as an extraordinary step for Lambiase’s career. Mekies noted that the transition has been a subject of long-term discussion between the engineer and the team.
“He has had an extraordinary opportunity. We respect the fact that this opportunity comes once in a lifetime,” Mekies told Sky Sports.
Mekies emphasized that while the news may seem sudden to the public, the team is prepared for the transition and intends to apply the eventual vacancy to develop internal talent and refine the team’s skill set.
The Verstappen-Lambiase Legacy
The departure marks a significant shift for Max Verstappen, who has worked with Lambiase as his lead race engineer since joining Red Bull in 2016. Together, the duo secured four world titles and two constructors’ championships. Their partnership became legendary for its blunt honesty and precision under pressure.
Verstappen has been vocal about his support for his colleague’s career progression, suggesting that the move is essential for Lambiase’s long-term goals. Verstappen highlighted that the decision wasn’t just about the role, but about providing future security for his family.
“It’s an incredible opportunity for him, not just in terms of the role but also for his future,” Verstappen stated, adding that he told Lambiase he would be “stupid not to accept it.”
Strategic Implications for McLaren and Red Bull
For McLaren, securing Lambiase is a major coup. By bringing in a proven winner with deep technical insight into the reigning championship-winning operations, McLaren strengthens its trackside leadership. Industry analysts view Lambiase as a potential long-term successor to Andrea Stella, though the team maintains that Stella has no current plans to leave.
For Red Bull, the loss of Lambiase—who also adopted the head of racing role in 2025 following Jonathan Wheatley’s move to Sauber—leaves a void in their technical leadership. However, the two-year window before his 2028 start date allows the Milton Keynes squad to plan a seamless succession.
Key Takeaways: The Lambiase Transition
- New Role: Chief Racing Officer at McLaren.
- Timeline: Joins McLaren for the 2028 F1 season; remains at Red Bull through 2027.
- Primary Responsibility: Supporting Team Principal Andrea Stella in a trackside capacity.
- Track Record: Four world titles and two constructors’ championships with Max Verstappen.
- Red Bull Status: Currently serving as head of racing (since 2025) and lead race engineer.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 and 2027 seasons unfold, the F1 community will be watching the Verstappen-Lambiase dynamic closely, knowing that the clock is ticking on one of the sport’s most potent alliances. For McLaren, the acquisition of Lambiase signals a clear intent to maintain their status as title contenders by absorbing the elite operational expertise of their rivals.