Max Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase reportedly rejected lucrative offers to join rivals Ferrari and McLaren.
The decision highlighted the Italian’s loyalty to Red Bull Racing amid the ongoing dynamics within the F1 paddock as teams scramble to secure top talent amid significant personnel changes.
Gianpiero Lambiase, often referred to as “GP,” has been an integral part of Red Bull Racing since joining the team in 2016. His role as Verstappen’s race engineer has been pivotal in the Dutch driver’s rise to prominence in Formula 1, culminating in multiple world championships.
With a background that includes stints at Jordan, Midland, and Force India, Lambiase has cultivated a reputation for his exceptional engineering skills and his ability to communicate effectively with drivers.
Lambiase’s journey in F1 began in 2005 and has been marked by notable achievements, including helping Force India secure its first pole position and podium finish. His ascent to the role of head of race engineering at Red Bull has solidified his status as one of the key figures in the team’s dominance during the ground effect era, which began in 2022.
However, recent reports indicate that both Ferrari and McLaren approached Lambiase with enticing offers, hoping to lure him away from the reigning champions.
Ferrari’s overtures were particularly appealing as they aimed to have the 43-year old work alongside Lewis Hamilton, who is set to join the Scuderia in 2025. The prospect of becoming the Brit’s race engineer was seen as a prestigious opportunity given his status as one of the greatest drivers in the history of the sport.
Meanwhile, McLaren which has been making significant strides in its performance also expressed interest in securing Lambiase’s expertise. The team’s management recognized that bringing in a top engineer could be crucial in their quest to return to form.
Despite the allure of these offers, he ultimately chose to remain with Red Bull as Verstappen’s race engineer. Reports suggest that he signed a new contract with the team, reaffirming his commitment to the reigning world champion and the organization that has been instrumental in his career development.
The bond between an engineer and driver is critical in F1, and Lambiase has developed a strong rapport with Verstappen over the years. Their relationship is often described as one of mutual respect and understanding, which has been essential in navigating the pressures of race day.
“Probably more like a marriage,” Verstappen joked in an interview about his relationship with Lambiase after reports claimed a fall out between the two. “Sometimes we’re screaming and shouting a little bit at each other, but it’s good.
“We just have to determine who is the husband and who is the wife!”
Lambiase’s decision to remain at Milton Keynes comes at a critical time for the team. With key figures like Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley departing, there is a major reshuffling of roles within the organization.
Newey, the chief technical officer and a pivotal figure in Red Bull’s success is rumored to be transitioning to a consultancy role at Aston Martin while Wheatley is set to join Audi as the team principal, ending his 18-years tenure with the energy drinks outfit.
In light of these changes, Lambiase’s continued presence provides a sense of continuity for Red Bull. Reports suggest the team may have offered him additional responsibilities, which could further solidify his role within the organization.
