I’m confident we’ll spot him in papaya sometime next year, he told the broadcaster.
Earlier this April, McLaren said Lambiase would become chief racing officer, leaving his Red Bull post beside Verstappen and now reporting to Andrea Stella.
McLaren Racing announced Gianpiero Lambiase’s appointment as Chief Racing Officer, reporting directly to Team Principal Andrea Stella.
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase, Red Bull Racing
The chief racing officer role already sits in the hierarchy, with Andrea Stella juggling it alongside his principal duties. For my money, this hire could finally tip the scales for McLaren.
The squad’s knack for luring talent like Lambiase, plus former stars Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, shows the clear strategic vision and culture driven by Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, both on long‑term deals.
The team looks forward to welcoming Gianpiero Lambiase once his current contract ends, no later than 2028.
Now the British‑Italian engineer may depart sooner than anticipated.
Why Lambiase matters to McLaren
Lambiase has spent over a decade beside the four‑time champion, handling countless split‑second decisions at Grands Prix. His versatile expertise should add a new layer of racecraft to McLaren’s championship chase.
With Stella already covering the role, Lambiase’s arrival will let the principal concentrate fully on his chief responsibilities.
While 2026 has challenged Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the season’s second half has produced stronger results.
Drivers are performing brilliantly, and you know, exciting times lie ahead.
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– The Team