{"id":1875980,"date":"2026-04-10T08:29:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T05:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875980"},"modified":"2026-04-10T08:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T05:29:00","slug":"how-max-verstappens-f1-race-engineer-gianpiero-lambiase-will-fit-in-at-mclaren","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1875980","title":{"rendered":"How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in at McLaren"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in at McLaren<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>This is how Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in within McLaren&#8217;s F1 organisation when he joins in 2028.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Lewis Larkam <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-10T09:29:00+01:00\">10 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Lambiase will complete a shock switch from Red Bull to F1 rival McLaren<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Gianpiero Lambiase will embark on a new role with McLaren in 2028 following a bombshell switch from Red Bull to join a Formula 1 rival.<\/p>\n<p>After reports initially circulated in Dutch media on Thursday morning, the move was officially confirmed by both Red Bull and McLaren later in the day, with Lambiase agreeing to join McLaren once his current contract expires at the end of 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is Red Bull\u2019s head of racing, a role he was promoted to at the end of 2024, while he also serves as Max Verstappen\u2019s race engineer.<\/p>\n<p>Ever since Verstappen joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2016, Lambiase &#8211; who was previously at Force India &#8211; has been the voice in the Dutchman&#8217;s ear. The pair share an incredibly close bond and have won four consecutive drivers\u2019 world titles together from 2021 to 2024.<\/p>\n<p>But how will Lambiase fit in to McLaren once he completes his switch to the team?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has announced that Lambiase will become its chief racing officer. This is a new senior role that will not see Lambiase replacing anyone already at the reigning world champions.<\/p>\n<p>The 45-year-old Briton will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella. The plan is for Lambiase to support Stella by taking on some of his current duties. This will free Stella up to focus on wider leadership aspects of his role.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-593fa0a6faf19c9f8662943e7c9e858297c2d329f18654ceb3394d3cdd5b0cc6\">  F1 world champion\u2019s daughter makes her racing debut this weekend   Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The role of an F1 team principal within organisational set-ups has greatly changed over time and it is a much broader responsibility now than it was traditionally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe role of the chief racing officer already exists within the team\u2019s structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as team principal,\u201d McLaren explained in a press release.<\/p>\n<p>On top of his team principal role, Stella is also essentially head of the technical side of things at McLaren.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3ea270b2c8a88b9ae54849df3da427f750bec2c4406476d5c09aeab926c03e2d\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has split its technical director role into three, with Peter Prodromou, Mark Temple and Neil Houldey responsible for aerodynamics, performance and engineering respectively. They, along with chief designer Rob Marshall, report all car design matters directly to Stella.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase\u2019s role will see him providing extra support on racing and trackside matters, easing the burden on Stella, who is effectively performing twin jobs.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is highly regarded within the F1 paddock and his signing is viewed as a major coup for McLaren as it further strengthens its senior leadership structure and wider organisation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Lambiase is the latest hire designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren, while also reaffirming the team&#8217;s long-term commitment to confirming its position as a championship-winning team,\u201d McLaren\u2019s statement added.<\/p>\n<p>Reports suggesting McLaren is anticipating Stella to leave the team and potentially return to Ferrari are understood to be wide of the mark. For McLaren this is a case of future-proofing its already-formidable organisation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Red Bull<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Revealed: What happened in first F1 rule change meeting<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/a260634_medium.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Max Verstappen\u2019s father Jos reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase Red Bull F1 exit<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202603280207.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-80e369d9f3221c0d5519e089d0826e0c344b7b49b3cedd960ed2e3990a58b24d\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/1bc46a82-ac76-40ea-9cf5-d309b802b0ef_1.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Lewis Larkam<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-0167f669bab49811fbf3a67f211483f3ae7f5a8081b0b885047da83305348831\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why Lambiase isn&#8217;t the only ace McLaren could play to lure Verstappen<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775748723\"> 23h ago<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070361.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Could Brown tempt Verstappen to join McLaren? \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>McLaren confirms Gianpiero Lambiase signing as Red Bull responds to shock exit<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775743636\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1396596_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen will lose another key ally in Lambiase\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Max Verstappen&#8217;s &#8216;secret trick&#8217; GT rivals &#8220;would never have thought of&#8221; teased<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775736420\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/si202603260165.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Verstappen has had little to smile about in F1 this year\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Verstappen\u2019s F1 future even more in doubt after Lambiase shock <\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775727047\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202508310193.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has engineered Verstappen throughout his Red Bull career\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775722200\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404590_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"2026 F1 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Verstappen to lose right-hand man to McLaren bombshell report claims<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775716952\"> 09\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/si202512070136.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lambiase has been the voice in Verstappen's ear at Red Bull \" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>This is how Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in within McLaren&#8217;s F1 organisation when he joins in 2028.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Gianpiero Lambiase will embark on a new role with McLaren in 2028 following a bombshell switch from Red Bull to join a Formula 1 rival.<\/p>\n<p>After reports initially circulated in Dutch media on Thursday morning, the move was officially confirmed by both Red Bull and McLaren later in the day, with Lambiase agreeing to join McLaren once his current contract expires at the end of 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is Red Bull\u2019s head of racing, a role he was promoted to at the end of 2024, while he also serves as Max Verstappen\u2019s race engineer.<\/p>\n<p>Ever since Verstappen joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2016, Lambiase &#8211; who was previously at Force India &#8211; has been the voice in the Dutchman&#8217;s ear. The pair share an incredibly close bond and have won four consecutive drivers\u2019 world titles together from 2021 to 2024.<\/p>\n<p>But how will Lambiase fit in to McLaren once he completes his switch to the team?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has announced that Lambiase will become its chief racing officer. This is a new senior role that will not see Lambiase replacing anyone already at the reigning world champions.<\/p>\n<p>The 45-year-old Briton will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella. The plan is for Lambiase to support Stella by taking on some of his current duties. This will free Stella up to focus on wider leadership aspects of his role.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-593fa0a6faf19c9f8662943e7c9e858297c2d329f18654ceb3394d3cdd5b0cc6\">  F1 world champion\u2019s daughter makes her racing debut this weekend   Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The role of an F1 team principal within organisational set-ups has greatly changed over time and it is a much broader responsibility now than it was traditionally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe role of the chief racing officer already exists within the team\u2019s structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as team principal,\u201d McLaren explained in a press release.<\/p>\n<p>On top of his team principal role, Stella is also essentially head of the technical side of things at McLaren.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3ea270b2c8a88b9ae54849df3da427f750bec2c4406476d5c09aeab926c03e2d\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has split its technical director role into three, with Peter Prodromou, Mark Temple and Neil Houldey responsible for aerodynamics, performance and engineering respectively. They, along with chief designer Rob Marshall, report all car design matters directly to Stella.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase\u2019s role will see him providing extra support on racing and trackside matters, easing the burden on Stella, who is effectively performing twin jobs.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is highly regarded within the F1 paddock and his signing is viewed as a major coup for McLaren as it further strengthens its senior leadership structure and wider organisation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Lambiase is the latest hire designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren, while also reaffirming the team&#8217;s long-term commitment to confirming its position as a championship-winning team,\u201d McLaren\u2019s statement added.<\/p>\n<p>Reports suggesting McLaren is anticipating Stella to leave the team and potentially return to Ferrari are understood to be wide of the mark. For McLaren this is a case of future-proofing its already-formidable organisation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Gianpiero Lambiase will embark on a new role with McLaren in 2028 following a bombshell switch from Red Bull to join a Formula 1 rival.<\/p>\n<p>After reports initially circulated in Dutch media on Thursday morning, the move was officially confirmed by both Red Bull and McLaren later in the day, with Lambiase agreeing to join McLaren once his current contract expires at the end of 2027.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is Red Bull\u2019s head of racing, a role he was promoted to at the end of 2024, while he also serves as Max Verstappen\u2019s race engineer.<\/p>\n<p>Ever since Verstappen joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2016, Lambiase &#8211; who was previously at Force India &#8211; has been the voice in the Dutchman&#8217;s ear. The pair share an incredibly close bond and have won four consecutive drivers\u2019 world titles together from 2021 to 2024.<\/p>\n<p>But how will Lambiase fit in to McLaren once he completes his switch to the team?<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has announced that Lambiase will become its chief racing officer. This is a new senior role that will not see Lambiase replacing anyone already at the reigning world champions.<\/p>\n<p>The 45-year-old Briton will report directly to team principal Andrea Stella. The plan is for Lambiase to support Stella by taking on some of his current duties. This will free Stella up to focus on wider leadership aspects of his role.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-593fa0a6faf19c9f8662943e7c9e858297c2d329f18654ceb3394d3cdd5b0cc6\">  F1 world champion\u2019s daughter makes her racing debut this weekend   Why Max Verstappen is not racing in NLS3 this weekend <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The role of an F1 team principal within organisational set-ups has greatly changed over time and it is a much broader responsibility now than it was traditionally.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe role of the chief racing officer already exists within the team\u2019s structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as team principal,\u201d McLaren explained in a press release.<\/p>\n<p>On top of his team principal role, Stella is also essentially head of the technical side of things at McLaren.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-3ea270b2c8a88b9ae54849df3da427f750bec2c4406476d5c09aeab926c03e2d\">  Max Verstappen\u2019s father reacts to bombshell Gianpiero Lambiase exit   The biggest winners and losers from F1\u2019s surprise five-week break <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>McLaren has split its technical director role into three, with Peter Prodromou, Mark Temple and Neil Houldey responsible for aerodynamics, performance and engineering respectively. They, along with chief designer Rob Marshall, report all car design matters directly to Stella.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase\u2019s role will see him providing extra support on racing and trackside matters, easing the burden on Stella, who is effectively performing twin jobs.<\/p>\n<p>Lambiase is highly regarded within the F1 paddock and his signing is viewed as a major coup for McLaren as it further strengthens its senior leadership structure and wider organisation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Lambiase is the latest hire designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren, while also reaffirming the team&#8217;s long-term commitment to confirming its position as a championship-winning team,\u201d McLaren\u2019s statement added.<\/p>\n<p>Reports suggesting McLaren is anticipating Stella to leave the team and potentially return to Ferrari are understood to be wide of the mark. For McLaren this is a case of future-proofing its already-formidable organisation.\u00a0<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092951\/1\/how-max-verstappens-f1-race-engineer-will-fit-mclaren&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1399065_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] How Max Verstappen\u2019s F1 race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in at McLaren This is how Gianpiero Lambiase will fit in within McLaren&#8217;s F1 organisation when he joins in 2028. Lewis Larkam 10 Apr 2026 Share Lambiase will complete a shock switch from Red Bull to F1 rival McLaren Add as a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1875980","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875980","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1875980"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1875980\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1875980"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1875980"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1875980"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}