Red Bull and McLaren confirm Lambiase 2028 exit and arrival

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Red Bull race engineer GianPiero Lambiase will trade his iconic blue headset for McLaren’s papaya orange in 2028, with both teams confirming in separate statements the race engineer’s exit and arrival.

The man who steered Max Verstappen to multiple world titles will become McLaren’s new Chief Racing Officer, marking the latest high-profile defection from Milton Keynes to Woking.

The double announcement provides a definitive timeline for the end of one of F1’s most successful partnerships. While Red Bull confirmed his departure will coincide with the end of his current contract in 2028, McLaren is already preparing for a future that positions them as the sport’s undisputed destination for top-tier talent.

The final chapter at Grove

Despite the high-profile nature of the move, Red Bull was quick to clarify that Lambiase’s immediate focus remains unchanged. The team emphasized his decade-long tenure, noting that “GP” has been a "valued member of the Team" since 2015.

“Until his planned departure, ‘GP’ continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen,” the Red Bull statement confirmed.

While the team has faced a turbulent start to the 2026 season with its new-generation car, they remain focused on the present: “The Team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together.”

Strengthening the McLaren ‘Mastercard’ Era

For McLaren, Lambiase represents a strategic crown jewel. The role of Chief Racing Officer is currently held by Team Principal Andrea Stella, but the team’s growth has necessitated a dedicated leader for the race team's operational side.

McLaren noted that Lambiase is the latest hire "designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren Mastercard, while also reaffirming the team’s long-term commitment to confirming its position as a Championship-winning team."

By securing Lambiase – following the successful acquisitions of Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay – McLaren is making a loud statement about its culture under Zak Brown.

The team stated that their ability to land such talent “is a testament to the strategic vision and culture that are integrally embodied in the McLaren Mastercard F1 Team under the leadership of Zak Brown and Andrea Stella.”

While Red Bull eyes 2028 for the transition, McLaren’s eyes are firmly on the prize, noting they look forward to his arrival "no later than 2028."

The tug-of-war over gardening leave

The specific wording of the two announcements suggests that a behind-the-scenes battle over Lambiase's actual start date is already brewing.

While Red Bull was firm that he would remain in his current roles "in 2028" until his contract expires, McLaren notably stated they expect him "no later than 2028."

©Red Bull

This discrepancy points to inevitable negotiations regarding a gardening leave period.

Given the precedent set by Will Courtenay – who Red Bull forced to work out the majority of his notice period before joining McLaren – the bulls at Milton Keynes may use the full weight of Lambiase's contract to delay his influence in Woking for as long as possible.

The battle for supremacy in the 2026 season is well underway, but in the boardroom and the design office, McLaren appears to be winning the long game.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.