Steiner predicts Lambiase will leave Red Bull early

Steiner predicts Lambiase will leave Red Bull early, possibly joining McLaren before his 2028 contract start.

Why it matters:

Lambiase is Max Verstappen’s primary race‑engineer, a key piece of Red Bull’s recent dominance. An early exit could shave focus from the team at a time when races are won by thousandths of a second. The move underscores a talent shift toward a McLaren that has been building a winning culture.

The details:

• Steiner’s comment – On the Drive to Wynn podcast, ex‑Haas boss Guenther Steiner said Lambiase “will be out of Red Bull pretty soon” and could start at McLaren earlier than planned.
• Motivation factor – An engineer who knows they’re leaving can’t give 100 % focus; even a 99 % effort can cost a race.
• McLaren’s recruitment – CEO Zak Brown has been poaching Red Bull staff, including Will Courtenay. Steiner calls it “very smart” because the hires are seasoned yet still driven.
• Lambiase’s reputation – The calm‑but‑fiery voice behind Verstappen’s feedback has been pivotal for on‑track performance.
• McLaren’s success – Back‑to‑back constructors’ titles and Lando Norris’s driver crown make the squad a magnet for top talent.
• Red Bull’s response – Steiner said the team will decide the best GP‑by‑GP approach after Lambiase’s exit, hinting at internal reshuffles.

What's next:

If Lambiase departs ahead of schedule, Red Bull will likely promote internally or bring in external engineers to cover the gap. McLaren would gain a seasoned race‑engineer just as it consolidates its championship momentum, tightening the competition. The flow of high‑profile staff could accelerate a broader shift in Formula 1’s power balance.