Due to the ongoing civil war within Red Bull Racing, there are doubts surrounding Max Verstappen’s continued collaboration with his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
Since Verstappen’s introduction to the team as a teenager in 2016, Lambiase has served as his race engineer. He originally worked with Daniil Kvyat before continuing in the position when Verstappen took over mid-season upon replacing the Russian driver.
Together, they have clinched three drivers’ championships and despite the occasional stressful exchange on their radio communications, they share a great camaraderie.
Their bond is so strong that Lambiase expressed his reluctance to work with anyone else in the future, stating “I perceive Max as a younger brother,” during an interview with the BBC.
The two of us have gotten to a point where we can freely discuss any topic including other people. Our conversations now flow effortlessly due to the comfort level shared between us. Pardon me if I’m overstepping, but at this moment in time, working with another driver doesn’t interest me.
Since we have achieved great success with Max, who is undeniably one of the most talented individuals in sports history, it would not be ethical for me or any other driver to attempt duplicating our accomplishments. Doing so wouldn’t benefit either party involved.
Lambiase’s position suggests that he may leave his current team and join Verstappen at another competing organization if the Dutch driver chooses to depart. Despite regularly bringing home victories with Red Bull, Lambiase remains open to exploring exit options under certain circumstances, even though he is contractually bound until 2028.
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At the start of this month, Verstappen expressed his willingness to stay only if Helmut Marko – a loyal associate and special advisor at Red Bull Racing – departs from the team. This stand taken by Verstappen has further solidified his stance against Christian Horner, the team boss with whom he has been in conflict for some time now.
Marko and Horner collaborated for almost 20 years before having a major falling out in the latter part of last year. Marko has been striving to oust Horner from his post, but unfortunately, Red Bull’s primary stakeholder Chalerm Yoodivhya had thrown support behind him along with other top executives based in Salzburg.
Mirror Sport has learned that in the event Red Bull is forced to choose between retaining Horner or Verstappen, they would opt for their top driver’s departure. In such a scenario, it seems head of race engineering Lambiase would be inclined to accompany him.