Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has described chief engineer Gianpiero Lambiase's move to McLaren in the 2028 Formula 1 season as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.' Lambiase will join the British team as chief racing officer, supporting team principal Andrea Stella trackside.
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has described chief engineer Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren in the 2028 Formula 1 season as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.’ According to a report from Motorsport.com, Lambiase will join the British world champion team as chief racing officer, where he will support team principal Andrea Stella in a trackside role.
Who is Gianpiero Lambiase?
Lambiase is one of the most prominent engineers in Formula 1, having worked with Red Bull for many years. He was the race engineer for Max Verstappen during the driver’s championship-winning campaigns. Known for his deep expertise in race strategy and team management, he became a prime target for McLaren.
What did Laurent Mekies say about the deal?
Mekies told the site: ‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any engineer. Gianpiero deserves this move, and we fully support him.’ He added that Red Bull will work to find a suitable replacement to fill the void left by Lambiase, emphasizing that the team has sufficient depth in its personnel.
How will this affect Red Bull and McLaren?
Lambiase’s departure will be a blow to Red Bull, as he was a key pillar in the team’s recent successes. However, his presence is expected to boost McLaren’s competitive capabilities, especially with their ambitions to return to the top. His role will be pivotal in developing race strategies and improving trackside performance.
When will Lambiase start at McLaren?
Lambiase is scheduled to officially begin his duties in the 2028 season, giving Red Bull ample time to prepare for his departure. The team has not yet revealed the identity of a potential replacement, but speculation suggests Red Bull may promote one of its current engineers from its internal academy.
What is the reaction from the F1 community?
The news has garnered wide interest in Formula 1 circles, with analysts calling it a smart strategic move by McLaren to strengthen its technical staff. On the other hand, some believe Red Bull will face a major challenge in replacing Lambiase’s experience, especially amid fierce competition with teams like Ferrari and Mercedes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Gianpiero Lambiase move to McLaren?
Lambiase is set to begin his duties at McLaren in the 2028 Formula 1 season.
What position will Lambiase hold at McLaren?
He will become chief racing officer, supporting team principal Andrea Stella in a trackside role.
How did Red Bull react to Lambiase's move?
Team principal Laurent Mekies described the move as a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity' and expressed full support for the Italian engineer.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Red Bull: McLaren move a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for Gianpiero Lambiase
