Red Bull is preparing Max Verstappen for a change on the pit wall, with Tom Hart set to take over race engineer duties for the next three Formula 1 Grands Prix in Austin, Brazil and Las Vegas. Gianpiero Lambiase AKA ‘GP’, will remain trackside but step away from his usual role on Verstappen’s radio, giving his designated successor an early opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for the job.
The temporary handover comes amid growing uncertainty over how long Lambiase will remain at Red Bull. Although his departure for McLaren is expected by the end of the 2027 season at the latest, speculation continues that the move could happen sooner.
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Hart faces an early test alongside Verstappen
Hart will assume responsibility for communicating with Verstappen during the upcoming races, placing him in a prominent position as Red Bull prepares for a potential long-term change in its engineering structure.
The role requires more than technical knowledge. Verstappen has worked closely with Lambiase for years, with their radio exchanges becoming a defining feature of the Dutchman’s success at Red Bull.
Establishing a similar working relationship takes time, particularly when a driver is competing under pressure for results. The Austin, Brazilian and Las Vegas rounds will therefore offer Hart valuable experience before any permanent transition takes place.
Red Bull’s decision to give him the responsibility now also allows the team to assess how the partnership functions in a race environment rather than relying solely on preparation behind the scenes.
Lambiase remains at Red Bull in a different capacity
Lambiase is expected to attend all three events, but his responsibilities will shift towards his wider position as Red Bull’s head of racing.
His experience and knowledge of the team’s operations will remain available during the transition, even as Hart takes over direct radio communication with Verstappen.
Red Bull is also preparing for changes elsewhere in its management structure. Long-time Aston Martin executive Tom McCullough is expected to join the Milton Keynes-based team at the beginning of 2027, having been appointed to a senior role within its racing operation.
The appointments form part of a broader effort to prepare Red Bull for the next phase of its technical and sporting leadership, although the precise timing of any permanent change involving Lambiase remains unclear.
Red Bull moved early to secure Hart
Red Bull committed to Hart as Lambiase’s designated successor earlier this year and reportedly worked to ensure that he remained with the team.
Hart had been in discussions with Williams before reversing course and extending his Red Bull contract. Retaining him gives the team a planned successor with existing knowledge of its internal processes, reducing the disruption that could accompany an unexpected departure.
That preparation could prove particularly important given Verstappen’s close working relationship with Lambiase. Any change to the driver’s engineering team carries the challenge of maintaining the consistency and trust built over multiple seasons.
The three-race handover provides an opportunity to begin that process while Lambiase remains present at the circuit.
Zak Brown adds to speculation over Lambiase’s exit
Questions about Lambiase’s departure date have intensified in recent weeks, with some expecting him to leave before the end of 2027.
McLaren team principal Zak Brown added to the speculation during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, saying: “I’m optimistic that we’ll see him in Papaya sometime next year.”
The comment suggests McLaren could be hopeful of welcoming Lambiase in 2027, but it does not confirm that an earlier departure from Red Bull has been agreed.
For now, the upcoming races will provide a first indication of how Verstappen and Hart work together under competitive conditions. Red Bull has already identified its preferred successor, but successfully transferring one of the team’s most important driver-engineer relationships will be a more demanding task than simply changing the name on the radio.
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