Zak Brown Hints at Earlier-Than-Expected Lambiase Move from Red Bull

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown suggests Gianpiero Lambiase could depart Red Bull for McLaren earlier than anticipated, potentially as soon as 2027. Brown expressed optimism to Sky Sports that Max Verstappen’s race engineer would relocate to Woking sooner than expected.

“I’m optimistic we’ll see him in papaya at some point next year,” Brown told the broadcaster.

In April, McLaren confirmed Lambiase would assume the role of Chief Racing Officer, departing Red Bull alongside Verstappen to report to Team Principal Andrea Stella.

At the time, McLaren stated: “McLaren Racing is pleased to announce that GianPiero Lambiase will join the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Chief Racing Officer, reporting to Team Principal Andrea Stella.”

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: circuitpics.de

The Chief Racing Officer role already exists within the team’s structure, overseeing overall race team leadership. These duties are currently managed by Stella alongside his role as team principal. Lambiase’s arrival strengthens McLaren’s talent pool and reaffirms the team’s long-term championship ambitions.

“The team’s ability to attract and secure top talent, like Lambiase, and previously Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, alongside the retention and promotion of highly talented individuals within the team, is a testament to the strategic vision and culture embodied in the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team under the leadership of Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, both of whom are on long-term contracts.”

“The team look forward to welcoming GianPiero Lambiase when his existing contract ends, no later than 2028.”

Now, it seems the British-Italian engineer could be leaving earlier than expected.

Why Lambiase matters to McLaren

Lambiase has spent over a decade working alongside the four-time champion and has managed countless complex decisions during Grands Prix. His multifaceted expertise brings additional racing knowledge to McLaren, which hopes to broaden its capabilities to strengthen its championship bid.

With this role also currently managed by Stella, the engineer’s arrival will allow Stella to deepen his focus on his primary responsibilities as team principal.

While 2026 has presented challenges for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the latter half of the season has yielded stronger results.

“Very excited with everything that we’ve got going on at the factory,” Brown told Sky Sports. “Drivers are driving great, and you know, exciting times.”

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