Verstappen dismisses rumors, confirms Lambiase remains at Red Bull

Max Verstappen has firmly rejected speculation that his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, was set to depart Red Bull Racing. Despite swirling rumors regarding the Italian engineer's future amidst a turbulent 2025 season, Verstappen maintained he was never concerned about a potential split, emphasizing the unshakeable strength of their partnership.

Why it matters:

The synergy between a driver and their race engineer is the backbone of any successful F1 campaign. Lambiase has been instrumental in all of Verstappen's title victories, providing the calm, strategic direction needed during high-pressure moments. Maintaining this continuity is vital for Red Bull as they aim to regroup and bounce back from a disappointing championship loss to McLaren.

The details:

• Unwavering trust: When asked directly if he feared Lambiase might leave, Verstappen was blunt: "Not me." He added simply, "He was always staying," via Sky Sports, shutting down the media narrative immediately.
• Emotional finale: The reassurance comes after a dramatic season conclusion where Red Bull lost the title, with Verstappen finishing two points behind Lando Norris. Lambiase was visibly emotional on the pit wall at the Yas Marina Circuit, comforted by team leadership after the final checkered flag.
• Tribute to commitment: Verstappen publicly praised Lambiase’s dedication, acknowledging the "off-track challenges" the engineer faced throughout the year. Despite the rollercoaster season, the world champion highlighted the engineer's unwavering focus and effort.

Looking ahead:

With the 2026 regulations on the horizon, stability within the team's core structure is essential. Retaining Lambiase ensures Verstappen keeps his trusted right-hand man as Red Bull shifts focus to developing a new challenger capable of reclaiming their dominance at the front of the grid.