Red Bull rocked again: Verstappen’s closest ally set for McLaren switch – Fresh news surrounding Gianpiero Lambiase (AKA ‘GP’) has sent another shockwave through the Formula 1 paddock, with reports suggesting McLaren is lining up a long-term move for Max Verstappen’s trusted race engineer.
According to F1 journalist Erik van Haren, Lambiase is expected to leave Red Bull Racing after his current contract expires in 2027, with a switch pencilled in for 2028.
The move would represent far more than a standard paddock transfer; it could mark the latest and perhaps most significant fracture yet in Red Bull’s once rock-solid structure.
A pivotal figure in Verstappen’s success
Lambiase has been far more than just a voice on the radio. Since Verstappen’s arrival at Red Bull, the Italian-British engineer has acted as a crucial intermediary between driver and team, playing a key role in race execution and strategy.
Their relationship, often blunt, occasionally fiery, but always effective, has become one of the defining partnerships of modern Formula 1. His potential departure therefore, raises serious questions about Verstappen’s long-term future.
As previously explored in last year’s TJ13’s analysis of Red Bull’s internal tensions (GP & Marko exit repercussions for Verstappen), the Dutchman’s inner circle has been steadily eroded. Lambiase’s exit would remove arguably the most important remaining pillar of that support system.
McLaren’s long-term power play
The reports suggest that McLaren’s interest in Lambiase is part of a broader strategic reshuffle. The Woking-based team has already recruited key Red Bull figures such as Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay in recent years, and Lambiase could be the next major addition.
But the implications go even further.
Van Haren’s information indicates that Lambiase’s arrival could coincide with a potential departure of Andrea Stella, who is being linked with a move elsewhere.
Stella to Ferrari? Shock leadership twist emerges
One of the most intriguing elements of the emerging picture is the suggestion that Andrea Stella could be on his way to Ferrari.
As referenced in the circulating report, Stella is increasingly being mentioned as a candidate to take over the team principal role at Ferrari in the future. If that scenario materialises, it would trigger a major leadership reshuffle at McLaren, potentially opening the door for Lambiase to step into a far more senior position than his current race engineer role.
Such a move would represent a remarkable shift in the paddock’s power dynamics. Stella has been widely credited with McLaren’s resurgence, and his departure would mark the end of a key era for the team. At the same time, Ferrari securing a figure of his calibre would signal serious intent as they look to reassert themselves at the very top of Formula 1.
For Lambiase, the timing could be perfect: arriving at McLaren just as a leadership vacuum emerges, positioning himself not just as a technical asset—but as a central figure in the team’s long-term structure.
Red Bull’s continuing internal erosion
This latest development fits a worrying pattern for Red Bull.
As highlighted in TJ13’s recent report on the growing unrest surrounding Verstappen (Schack’s departure exposes unrest at Red Bull), the team has seen a steady stream of high-profile exits. From Adrian Newey to Jonathan Wheatley and others behind the scenes, the depth that once defined Red Bull is being steadily depleted.
Lambiase’s potential departure would be particularly damaging because of his direct influence on race-day performance—and his personal connection to Verstappen.
Unlike technical or management exits, this is one that directly affects the driver at the heart of the project.
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What it means for Verstappen
For Verstappen, this could be a defining moment.
The Dutchman has already hinted at uncertainty over his long-term future in Formula 1, and the gradual dismantling of his trusted environment will only intensify that doubt.
If Lambiase does depart in 2028, it would mean that nearly every major figure tied to Verstappen’s success at Red Bull has either left or is set to leave within a short timeframe.
A slow-burning but seismic shift
While the timeline of this move suggests no immediate change—Lambiase is contracted through 2027—the long-term implications are enormous.
McLaren appears to be building not just a competitive car, but a complete organisational structure capable of dominating Formula 1’s next era.
Red Bull, meanwhile, faces a very different reality: a gradual but unmistakable dismantling of the team that once defined the sport.
And at the centre of it all remains Verstappen—watching, waiting, and perhaps already considering what comes next.
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NEXT ARTICLE – F1 veteran claims 2026 cars in breach of fundamental F1 regulation
The war in Iran may well hit the owners of Formula One in the pocket hard, but it’s an opportunistic moment for the sport’s regulators to regain control of a runaway beast they have helped to create. Ex-F1 racer and veteran commentator Martin Brundle claims that the current breed of F1 cars are in fact in breach of a fundamental tenet embedded in the FIA’s ow regulations.
F1 engine cycles tend to be 5-7 years in length and sometimes even shorter, however since 2014 the sport retained the basic architecture of the V6 hybrid turbo powertrains for some 12 long years.
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2026 F1 engines – 9 long years in the making
The 2014 V6 hybrids were initially expected to be replaced in 2020, but an FIA working party set up in 2017 to create the new PU regulations became mired in politics and at the mercy of the manufacturers.
Given that Red Bull Racing had almost found themselves in the dire situation where they had no engine supplier, the FIA was desperate to attract more manufacturers to ensure this situation could never arise again. But the lunatics took over the asylum.
Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and Honda were adamant the future of road cars would be hybrid and demanded that F1 reflected this trend to continue is association with road car relevant technology. Yet as the war in Iran has proven, electric is becoming increasingly popular with the highest sales of electric road cars in the UK since the middle east conflict exploded.
As the F1 teams began to simulate the all new engines with their 50/50 split in output between the internal combustion engine and the battery, deep concerns were raised about what Christian Horner described as “Frankenstein monsters.” He claimed the cars would run out of power on certain circuits with long straights and that the internal combustion engine would have to serve merely as a…CONTINUE READING THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Craig.J. Alderson is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Craig oversees newsroom operations and coordinates editorial output across the site. With a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing, he plays a key role in maintaining consistency, speed, and accuracy in TJ13’s coverage.
During race weekends, Craig acts as desk lead, directing contributors, prioritising breaking stories, and ensuring timely publication across a fast-moving news cycle.
Craig’s work focuses heavily on real-time developments in the paddock, including team updates, regulatory decisions, and emerging controversies. This role requires a detailed understanding of Formula 1’s operational flow, from practice sessions through to race-day strategy and post-race fallout.
With experience managing editorial teams, Craig ensures that TJ13 delivers structured, reliable coverage while maintaining the site’s distinctive voice.
Craig has a particular interest in how information moves within the paddock environment, and how rapidly developing stories can be accurately translated into clear, accessible reporting for readers.
Verstappen to McLaren in 2028 after a sabatical in 2027???
I could see that happening. Our recent article analysing the hollowing out of the Red Bull team suggests they are in a death spiral from which they may not recover