Lambiase’s Red Bull tenure could end early, sparking data‑security concerns
David Coulthard warns that Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren next season may force Red Bull to restrict his access to the 2027 car, creating a tense contract standoff that could impact the team’s technical edge and Max Verstappen’s confidence.
Gianpiero Lambiase, Red Bull’s long‑time race engineer, is slated to leave for McLaren as chief racing officer after the 2025 season. His contract with the Milton‑Keynes outfit runs until 2027, meaning he will sit on the Red Bull pit wall while the team develops the 2027 car. That overlap raises questions about data security and competitive advantage.
Why it matters:
- Lambiase holds deep technical knowledge of Red Bull’s 2026‑27 development; an early move could hand McLaren an advantage.
- Red Bull’s edge hinges on protecting that intel, especially as rivals close the performance gap.
The details:
- Coulthard (Up to Speed) says Red Bull will likely bar Lambiase from 2027 car work once his departure is official.
- McLaren is pressing Red Bull for an early release, even offering to waive the remaining salary to lock Lambiase in before the 2026 season ends.
What’s next:
- Red Bull could negotiate a “data‑clean‑break,” limiting Lambiase’s access while compensating McLaren.
- If no deal is reached, Lambiase stays on the pit wall through 2026; Verstappen’s confidence may wobble without technical continuity.
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