Red Bull team principal Laurent Mequise has insisted that Max Verstappen’s race engineer Giampiero Lambiase will become McLaren team principal.
Red Bull announced in March that Lambiase would leave his role as head of race engineering and Verstappen’s engineer to join McLaren, saying he would take up the role of chief racing officer “by 2028 at the latest.”
McLaren explained in its announcement that the role of chief racing officer already exists within the organization, and that the role is currently held by Andrea Stella in addition to his responsibilities as team principal.
However, Mekies told Sky Sports F1 that a current employee “will become team principal” at McLaren regarding Lambiasse’s departure at the Miami Grand Prix, the first F1 race since the news broke.
In response to a question recently about Lambius becoming the latest major figure to leave Red Bull, Mekies said: “I don’t want to get defensive about it. We’ve lost quite a few key figures in the last four or five years, that’s very true.”
“We take this issue very seriously and everything we do is committed to ensuring the best environment to attract, develop and retain employees. I am confident this is an area where we will be successful.”
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Ted Kravitz assesses how Giampiero Lambiase’s move to McLaren will affect Max Verstappen and Red Bull.
“Is it going to be a linear progression without anyone quitting? No. GP (Lambias) had a special opportunity. As you know, he will be team principal there. There is nothing I can do but wish him well.”
Amid initial doubts that Mequise’s comments had been misinterpreted, Red Bull confirmed to Sky Sports F1 that the Frenchman believed Lambiase would become McLaren team principal.
Brown: Mekies knows something I don’t know.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown insisted Mekies “knows something I don’t know” when the Red Bull boss’ comments were brought to his attention late on Friday.
After being shown Mekies’ comments, Brown said, “Apparently he knows something I don’t know.
“I have players (team principal) and I have some great players. I’ve got the best player in the pit lane in Andrea Stella. I couldn’t be happier (with) Andrea.”
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Karun Chandhok discusses whether Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull in the near future after race engineer Giampiero Lambiase announced his departure from the team
Stella has done a fantastic job since being appointed McLaren team principal in December 2022, overseeing a remarkable turnaround for the Woking team to back-to-back constructors’ titles and Lando Norris winning the drivers’ title last year.
Brown added: “My job as CEO is always to get the best talent, think long-term, and make sure they can do their best on the pitwall, in the factory and in the design.”
“Andrea has done a great job, our technical team. GP is a very talented player, so when the opportunity comes to strengthen our racing team, that’s exactly what we try to do, whether it’s a racing driver, an engineer, a strategist, whatever the case may be. So we’re very happy that he’s joining us.”
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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen admits it is unusual to have such a relationship with retiring race engineer Giampiero Lambiase
McLaren has expressed an interest in making it happen by 2028, and uncertainty remains as to when Lambius will take action.
A statement confirming Lambiase’s employment said: “The role of Chief Racing Officer already exists within the team structure with leadership of the entire race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as Team Principal.”
“Lambias is the latest hire aimed at strengthening and supporting the existing talent pool at McLaren Mastercard, while also reaffirming the team’s long-term commitment to establishing itself as a championship-winning team.”
Sky Sports F1 Miami GP Schedule
Saturday, May 2nd
2:55pm: F2 Sprint
4pm: Miami GP sprint build-up
5pm: Miami GP Sprint
6:30pm: Ted’s Sprint Notebook
8pm: Miami GP qualifying build-up*
9pm: Miami GP Qualifying*
11pm: Ted’s Qualification Notes*
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The Miami Grand Prix is a unique experience. Check out some of our favorite moments from the past few years.
Sunday, May 3rd
5:25pm: F2 Feature Race
7pm: Miami GP Build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
9pm: Miami Grand Prix*
11pm: Miami Grand Prix reaction: Checkered flag*
12am: Ted’s Notes*
*Also held at Sky Sports Main Event
F1 is celebrating a sprint weekend in Miami as the 2026 season resumes. Watch the Grand Prix live on Sky Sports F1 from 9pm on Sunday. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
