Gianpiero Lambiase, currently Max Verstappen's race engineer at Red Bull, is set to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer no later than 2028 when his contract expires, McLaren announced in April 2026 [1, 2]. He will initially take a supporting leadership role under current McLaren team principal Andrea Stella [1, 2].
Laurent Mekies, Red Bull's team boss, expressed confidence that Lambiase will ultimately become McLaren's team principal, though Andrea Stella has publicly denied plans to leave and said he remains fully committed to the team [1, 2]. Stella called Lambiase's appointment a way to strengthen McLaren's leadership by employing some of the best talent in Formula 1 [1, 2].
Speculation about driver movements has emerged, including Oscar Piastri potentially going to Red Bull and Verstappen possibly following Lambiase to McLaren. However, Mekies dismissed concerns over these rumors as not warranted [1, 2].
The transition plan envisions Lambiase joining McLaren in a key racing leadership position and eventually assuming the team principal role, though the timing remains uncertain given Stella's stance on staying [1, 2]. McLaren's announcement links Lambiase's arrival date with the end of his Red Bull contract in 2028 [1, 2].
McLaren continues to balance experienced internal leadership with incoming talent as it prepares for future Formula 1 challenges.