Tom Hart to Step In as Max Verstappen's Race Engineer

Tom Hart is set to take over the radio for Max Verstappen during three of the final six rounds of the 2026 season. This phased transition begins at the United States Grand Prix as the team manages the gradual exit of long-time engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.

Why it matters:

The chemistry between a driver and their race engineer is a cornerstone of performance in Formula 1. With Lambiase departing for a Chief Racing Officer role at McLaren, Red Bull is implementing a strategic handover to ensure Verstappen maintains peak operational stability during the season's closing stages.

The details:

• The Schedule: Hart will lead race engineering in Austin, São Paulo, and Las Vegas. Lambiase will return to the pit wall for the final stretch in Mexico City, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
• Proven Pedigree: Hart is a Red Bull veteran, having joined as an intern in 2012. He spent years as a simulator performance engineer before moving to the track in 2020 to work directly with Verstappen.
• Expanded Role: This season, Hart was promoted to senior performance engineer for both cars, gaining critical experience leading free practice sessions and filming days.
• The Williams Near-Miss: In early 2026, Hart nearly left Milton Keynes to become Alex Albon's race engineer at Williams. The deal collapsed, which ultimately aligned with Red Bull's internal succession plan for Lambiase.

What's next:

While Hart is the logical successor, his full-time status for the 2027 season remains officially unconfirmed. The final decision depends on the precise start date of Lambiase's contract with McLaren, which is reportedly still under negotiation. For now, the focus remains on a seamless transition of power on the pit wall.