Montoya Questions Red Bull Over Lambiase's McLaren Move

Juan Pablo Montoya has questioned Red Bull's decision-making after the team failed to retain GianPiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer, who is moving to McLaren. This key departure fuels intense speculation about Verstappen's own future with the team, despite his contract running through 2028, as the driver and engineer have previously suggested their careers at Red Bull are intertwined.

Why it matters:

Lambiase's exit is not just the loss of a top engineer; it strikes at the core of Red Bull's most valuable asset: its relationship with three-time champion Max Verstappen. The move weakens a critical personal and professional bond within the team at a time when Verstappen is already expressing dissatisfaction with F1's direction, potentially making him more receptive to offers from rivals like Mercedes.

The details:

• McLaren announced the signing of GianPiero Lambiase as its new Chief Racing Officer, a senior role overseeing the race team. He will join the team by 2028 when his Red Bull contract expires.
• Lambiase and Verstappen have shared an exceptionally close partnership since 2016, winning four world championships together. Both have publicly stated that if one leaves Red Bull, the other would likely follow.
• Montoya's Critique: The former F1 driver expressed confusion, stating Red Bull could have offered Lambiase a similar elevated role to keep him—and by extension, secure Verstappen's ally within the team. "It is a role that Red Bull certainly could have given him as well," Montoya said.
• Verstappen's Discontent: The news comes amid Verstappen's vocal criticism of F1's 2026 regulations and a less dominant car performance this season, factors that could influence his long-term commitment.

What's next:

All eyes are now on Max Verstappen. Lambiase's departure removes a significant tether to Red Bull, making a pre-2028 exit more plausible.

• Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff has long been open about his desire to sign Verstappen, and this development presents a potential opening.
• While a sabbatical or retirement remains a possibility, a switch to Mercedes is increasingly framed as a logical next step if Red Bull's competitive form does not improve, a point underscored by Montoya's analysis.
• For Red Bull, the challenge is twofold: navigating the loss of a key technical figure and managing the growing uncertainty around their star driver's loyalty.