Max Verstappen May Quit Red Bull Before Engineer Gianpiero Lambiase Joins McLaren
Giedo van der Garde says Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull before his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase moves to McLaren in 2028, noting Verstappen needs a winning car and doubting Red Bull’s form.
Former driver Giedo van der Garde predicts Max Verstappen will leave Red Bull before his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase moves to McLaren in 2028. Van der Garde argues Verstappen wants a car that can win races and titles, and doubts Red Bull’s current direction. The prediction adds fuel to speculation about Red Bull’s internal dynamics as the team seeks to maintain its dominance.
Why it matters:
- Verstappen’s exit would reshape the championship chase and open the sport’s most coveted seat.
- Lambiase’s move gives McLaren a proven race‑engineer, potentially fast‑tracking its return to front‑row performance.
- A Verstappen exit could trigger a driver‑market reshuffle, influencing the strategies of all front‑running teams.
The details:
- Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer since 2019, is set to join McLaren’s senior management in 2028.
- Van der Garde, asked who would leave first, said Verstappen’s desire for a winning car outweighs loyalty, hinting at an imminent departure.
What's next:
- Keep an eye on Verstappen’s contract talks; a renewal before season’s end could delay any exit.
- McLaren’s integration of Lambiase may boost its 2029 car, while Red Bull must secure engineering continuity to keep its star driver motivated.
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