Max Verstappen has stated that he would be 'an idiot' to prevent race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase from advancing his career, as Lambiase prepares to leave Red Bull for McLaren when his contract expires in 2028. The announcement of Lambiase's departure was made by Red Bull earlier this month, shortly after news emerged that he had decided to pursue a new opportunity elsewhere.
Verstappen's Full Support
Speaking to the media ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his full support for Lambiase's decision. "I will have to work with someone else, but I think times change, and the offer that he got, I would be an idiot to try and keep him," Verstappen said. "It's not only about me all the time. It is also about his career and moving forward, so for me, it was a no-brainer to be honest, but we are looking to the future now, and working with different engineers, and I'm sure we'll find solutions for that."
Previous Comments Revisited
Verstappen had previously indicated in a 2021 interview with a Dutch broadcaster that he would have no appetite for racing in Formula 1 if Lambiase were no longer alongside him. Following his maiden title triumph, he said: "I have said to him, I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too." However, the world champion has since softened his stance, making it clear that Lambiase departs with his complete blessing.
Red Bull and McLaren Statements
Red Bull confirmed Lambiase's exit in a statement, saying: "Oracle Red Bull Racing confirms that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team in 2028, when his current contract expires. GP is a valued member of the team, which he joined in 2015. The team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together." A McLaren spokesperson praised Lambiase as a 'top talent'.
Impact on Verstappen's Future
When asked whether Lambiase's exit had any bearing on his decision to remain with Red Bull long-term, Verstappen simply stated: "It has got nothing to do with it." This suggests that the driver is focused on the future and confident in the team's ability to adapt and innovate.
