Verstappen's Longtime Race Engineer Lambiase in Talks for Aston Martin Senior Role

Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer throughout his entire Red Bull title-winning era, is reportedly in talks with Aston Martin for a senior role ahead of the 2026 season. The potential move would see a key figure from Verstappen's inner circle reunite with legendary designer Adrian Newey at the Silverstone-based outfit, marking a significant shift in the F1 landscape.

Why it matters:

Lambiase isn't just an engineer; he's been Verstappen's strategic partner and confidant since 2016, integral to four world championships. His potential departure, especially to a direct rival building for 2026, represents a major blow to Red Bull's team stability and a massive coup for Aston Martin. This move is part of a clear trend of top talent migrating from Red Bull to join Newey's ambitious new project, potentially weakening the former champions while strengthening a future contender.

The details:

• A report from The Race claims talks have taken place between Lambiase and Aston Martin over a senior position, potentially at team principal or CEO level.
• This would be a homecoming for Lambiase, who began his F1 career with the team (then known as Jordan) back in 2005 before moving to Red Bull in 2015.
• The move would reunite him with Adrian Newey, who recently became Aston Martin's team principal but has insisted his primary focus will remain on car development, suggesting a need for a strong operational leader.
• Aston Martin is already building a 'Red Bull 2.0', having recently hired ex-Red Bull strategist Nick Roberts and simulations expert Giles Wood.
• Lambiase's emotional reaction on the pit wall after the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen narrowly lost the title, had already fueled speculation about his future.

What's next:

If Lambiase departs, it will be another significant loss for Verstappen's inner circle, following the exits of senior advisor Helmut Marko and his number-one mechanic Matt Caller to Audi. Former Red Bull race engineer Simon Rennie, who deputized for Lambiase during two races in 2025, is the frontrunner to replace him. For Aston Martin, securing a figure of Lambiase's caliber would be a definitive statement of intent as they prepare for their new Honda partnership in 2026.