In a significant move set to reshape Formula 1 team dynamics, McLaren has secured the services of Gianpiero Lambiase, the highly regarded race engineer for reigning world champion Max Verstappen at Red Bull. Lambiase will join the Woking-based squad starting in 2028.
Lambiase, a Briton who currently serves as Red Bull's head of race engineering, is expected to take on a senior role supporting McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella. While the precise title and responsibilities remain confidential, the appointment is designed to bolster McLaren's race operations as the sport grows increasingly complex.
Neither McLaren nor Red Bull have officially commented on the transfer. However, senior sources within both organizations, speaking anonymously, have confirmed the agreement to BBC Sport.
This marks the third high-profile recruitment from Red Bull to McLaren in recent years. Rob Marshall joined as chief designer in 2024, and former Red Bull head of race strategy Will Courtenay became McLaren's sporting director earlier this year.
The move is seen as a strategic play to alleviate pressure on Stella, who currently juggles the roles of team principal and de facto technical director. Lambiase is expected to assume significant responsibility for trackside and racing operations, allowing Stella greater capacity to focus on overarching team leadership.
McLaren insiders have dismissed speculation linking Stella to a potential move to Ferrari, describing reports of such a transition as unfounded.
Lambiase's departure represents another notable exit from the Red Bull technical hierarchy, following the earlier departures of chief technical officer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley in 2024, and the dismissal of former team principal Christian Horner in July 2025.
Known for his exceptionally close working relationship with Verstappen—a partnership dating back to the driver's Red Bull debut at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix—Lambiase's exit raises questions about the future dynamics within the championship-winning team. Verstappen recently hinted at contemplating his own F1 future, citing diminished enjoyment with the current generation of cars.