The 2026 Formula 1 driver market has been thrown into chaos — and the summer break has not even begun. The catalyst: a bombshell announcement that Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen’s trusted race engineer of four years, is departing Red Bull for McLaren no later than 2028, joining as deputy to team principal Andrea Stella.
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Will Verstappen Follow Lambiase to McLaren?
Verstappen has said publicly on multiple occasions that if Lambiase leaves, he leaves too. With Red Bull enduring a difficult season, and an unconfirmed exit clause reportedly allowing him to walk if he falls outside the top two in the championship standings by mid-season, his future at the team looks increasingly uncertain. Former F1 driver Ralph Schumacher has floated the possibility of Verstappen following his engineer to McLaren — with Oscar Piastri moving in the opposite direction to Red Bull.
Who Could Replace Verstappen at Red Bull?
Neither Lando Norris nor Oscar Piastri is expected to leave McLaren for a struggling Red Bull. Names circulating include Yuki Tsunoda — backed by Honda, who are confirmed as a strategic partner — making him a politically astute choice for the Milton Keynes outfit.
Wheatley, Audi, and the Broader Shake-Up
Jonathan Wheatley’s sudden departure from Audi just two rounds into the 2026 season has added further intrigue. Meanwhile, economic headwinds — trade tariffs and global instability — are raising questions about which manufacturers may ultimately withdraw from the sport altogether.
▶ Watch the full breakdown: Every scenario explained — Verstappen, McLaren, Red Bull, and who gains from the chaos.
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