Following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, much speculation arose regarding Giampiero Lambiase’s future with Red Bull. Lambiase, aged 45 and serving as Red Bull’s race director and race engineer to Max Verstappen, was visibly emotional after Verstappen narrowly missed out on the F1 championship by just two points, being seen with his head in his hands near the pit wall.
He was comforted by colleagues, including the outgoing Helmut Marko. Over the team radio after the race, Lambiase told Verstappen, “You can be proud of that guy, hold your head high.” Verstappen responded, “We showed them one last time who is the boss.”
Lambiase praised the team’s strong comeback in the season’s latter half, encouraging perseverance despite setbacks. He also thanked Honda for their contribution to the team’s success over the years, noting the season’s finish was fitting.
His emotional display and the heartfelt exchange with Verstappen sparked rumors that this might be Lambiase’s final race with Red Bull. This came amid recent organizational shifts at Red Bull, including the departure of former team principal and CEO Christian Horner, and the announcement that Helmut Marko will step down after 20 years as motorsport advisor.
Despite the speculation, ESPN reports that Lambiase is expected to stay on as Verstappen’s race engineer through 2026. Earlier in the season, Lambiase missed two races due to personal issues, with Simon Rennie stepping in temporarily. Journalist Jackie Martens noted that although Lambiase was initially scheduled to miss the Qatar race, he altered his plans to support Verstappen’s championship bid in the penultimate round.
Lambiase’s strong emotions in Abu Dhabi likely reflected how close Verstappen came to clinching the title after the grueling 24-race season. Verstappen, during the FIA press conference, highlighted the emotional challenges of the year, expressing gratitude for working with someone as passionate as Lambiase, whom he also considers a friend. Verstappen praised Lambiase’s resilience and dedication, noting the tough times they overcame together.
Fan Take: This news underscores the vital role that key team members like Lambiase play behind the scenes in Formula 1. His continuity at Red Bull ensures stability for Verstappen’s future title pursuits, highlighting how strong partnerships are essential for sustained success in the sport.
