There is a possibility that Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s race engineer, might depart from Red Bull, potentially concluding a collaboration that resulted in four successive Formula 1 world championship victories.
Reports first indicated that Lambiase’s tenure with Verstappen would conclude following the 2025 championship. The British engineer, aged 45, is believed to have requested less travel commitment from Red Bull’s leadership during the Formula 1 season. Consequently, in 2025, he was absent from the Austrian and Belgian Grand Prix events, with Simon Rennie stepping in.
The engineer, a British national with Italian heritage and dual nationality, was rumored to be transferring to Aston Martin; however, Autosport has learned that discussions with Williams, under the direction of team principal James Vowles, are simultaneously progressing.
The engineer from Red Bull was reportedly drawn to the Williams initiative, citing the team’s illustrious Formula 1 past and their ambition to advance through the ranks and regain a leading position in the championship. Williams has demonstrated considerable progress lately, securing fifth place in the 2025 season, which marks their best championship finish since 2017.
Radiobox, a broadcasting service, indicated that Lambiase was nearing a switch to the Grove-based squad prior to the festive period. However, no definitive announcement has followed, as discussions with Aston Martin are still in progress.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing with Race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Reports suggest discussions occurred regarding a CEO or team principal position at Aston Martin, the latter of which is currently occupied by Adrian Newey. However, the ex-Red Bull designer is thought to have no desire to hold this role permanently. The team’s organizational framework has been adaptable recently, and Newey assumed his current post after Andy Cowell’s move, a change aimed at fostering better ties with Honda, the team’s sole power unit provider.
Consequently, Newey does not wish to carry the administrative load and prefers to concentrate on engineering aspects. Yet, the specific function Lambiase could assume within the Aston Martin organization remains undefined.
Newey consistently held Lambiase in high esteem and, according to reports, would be pleased to resume their partnership, which ceased when he departed from the Milton Keynes team.
Certain observers interpret Lambiase’s potential position at Aston as a chance to forge stronger connections between the team and Verstappen, anticipating a possible transfer in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the Dutch driver’s continued presence at Red Bull arose after a leadership restructuring where Laurent Mekies took over from Christian Horner.
Nevertheless, should Lambiase opt for Williams, this transfer would likely bear minimal connection to his professional association with the four-time global title winner, and instead, strongly imply that the esteemed British engineer himself was the central element of the agreement.
