Max Verstappen supports Gianpiero Lambiase’s Red Bull exit for McLaren
Max Verstappen has given his full blessing to race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase’s upcoming departure from Red Bull to McLaren, insisting he would be an “idiot” to block the career move.
Red Bull confirmed earlier this month that their highly rated technical specialist will leave the team when his current contract expires in 2028.
The announcement arrived shortly after it emerged the engineer had decided to pursue a fresh opportunity with their Formula 1 rivals.
A significant shift in stance
The three-time world champion had previously indicated he would have no appetite for racing if his trusted confidant was no longer communicating over the team radio.
Following his maiden title triumph in 2021, the Dutchman famously declared that he would retire from the sport as soon as his engineer stepped away.
However, the 27-year-old has significantly mellowed his position and acknowledges that circumstances have evolved since that initial declaration.
“I will have to work with someone else, but I think times change, and the offer that he got, I would be an idiot to try and keep him,” Verstappen told reporters.
Looking toward the future
Lambiase has been a valued member of the reigning constructors’ champions since joining in 2015, forging a famously direct working relationship with his driver.
McLaren have already praised their future signing as a top talent, while Red Bull remain committed to securing further championships before the eventual separation.
The current championship leader stressed that an open dialogue within the team made processing the transition incredibly straightforward.
“It’s not only about me all the time, it is also about his career and moving forward, so for me, it was a no-brainer to be honest,” he explained.
Long-term commitment unaffected
The Red Bull star noted that the pair maintain an honest relationship and that there are absolutely no hard feelings regarding the transfer.
When questioned on whether this high-profile technical departure impacts his own long-term future with his current employers, the driver was unequivocal.
“It has got nothing to do with it,” Verstappen stated firmly.
