Lambiase has been a central figure in Red Bull’s success over the past decade, especially in his partnership with Max Verstappen.
He has worked directly with Verstappen since 2016, helping guide him to four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships.
His departure marks a major shift in the team’s technical leadership and could have lasting effects on Red Bull’s performance and strategy.
At McLaren, Lambiase is expected to take on a senior leadership role supporting team principal Andrea Stella, though there is speculation within the paddock that McLaren’s structure could evolve with his arrival.
McLaren has already recruited several senior figures from Red Bull in recent seasons, and adding Lambiase continues that trend of attracting experienced talent.
For Verstappen, losing Lambiase means parting with a trusted confidant and the engineer who has been his voice on the pit wall through countless strategic battles. Their professional bond has been widely acknowledged as one of the strongest driver‑engineer relationships in the sport.
Neither Red Bull nor McLaren has formally confirmed the move yet, but reports from multiple F1 news sources indicate that the deal is in place and Lambiase will switch allegiance after serving out his contract with Red Bull.
As the 2026 season unfolds, this high‑profile transfer adds another layer of intrigue to the Formula 1 landscape, especially with McLaren striving to close the performance gap to the championship front‑runners.
