Home / Sports / Verstappen Backs Engineer's McLaren Move
Verstappen Backs Engineer's McLaren Move
18 Apr
Summary
- Max Verstappen fully supports race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase's move to McLaren.
- Lambiase will take on a chief racing officer role at McLaren by 2028.
- Verstappen and Lambiase have a lasting friendship and achieved much together.
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen fully backs race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase's future transition to McLaren. Lambiase, who has a long-standing partnership with Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, was announced to be joining McLaren as chief racing officer. He is expected to begin this new role by the start of 2028 at the latest.
Verstappen revealed that Lambiase discussed the career opportunity with him before accepting. "You'd be stupid not to take it," Verstappen told Lambiase, recognizing the significant role advancement and long-term security it offers. The Dutch driver confirmed he gave his enthusiastic approval for the move.
Despite Lambiase's departure potentially impacting their working relationship at Red Bull, Verstappen stressed their strong bond will remain. Having achieved numerous victories together, Verstappen believes their shared history and friendship will endure, even leaving open the possibility of future collaboration. He stated they will "be friends for life."
