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New reports have emerged suggesting that Max Verstappen and race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase could possibly split at the end of the 2025 F1 season. The Briton's future role at Red Bull Racing is not yet confirmed, and reports suggest he could move into a higher position within the team.
After the end of the Abu Dhabi GP, Verstappen's trusted race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase burst into tears on the Red Bull pitwall and had to be consoled by members of the team around him. Motorsport.com has reported that, according to paddock rumors, Lambiase's specific role at Red Bull in 2026 remains undecided. It is possible that the 45-year-old could step back from his current duties and move into a more senior position within the Milton Keynes-based outfit.
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Discussions regarding his future are expected to take place over the winter, and Lambiase will reportedly only make a move if the team can find a suitable replacement for Verstappen's race engineer. Simon Rennie stepped into this role in Austria and Belgium this year when Lambiase was away for personal reasons.
That may have also been the reason behind Lambiase's emotional reaction at the end of the Abu Dhabi GP, as he has endured a difficult 2025 season personally. Max Verstappen explained after the race that it had been a challenging year for his race engineer on an emotional level rather than due to Red Bull's on-track performance. The 28-year-old also described Lambiase as a friend he cares deeply about.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Verstappen-Lambiase partnership, which has become one of the most formidable pairings in F1 since they first joined forces in 2016.
Max Verstappen showers Gianpiero Lambiase with praise after emotional Abu Dhabi GP
After the Abu Dhabi GP, Max Verstappen said he was proud to be working with someone as talented as his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. He added that Lambiase was one of the biggest examples of perseverance throughout the 2025 season at Red Bull.
Speaking about Lambiase after the race at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, Verstappen said:
"I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag. So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him."
"I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good. A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times," he added.
Red Bull Racing could undergo significant changes for 2026, with Laurent Mekies and Helmut Marko hinting at shifts within the organisation after the 2025 finale. Marko admitted he could step aside, while Mekies noted that the leadership faces “difficult decisions” this winter to keep pace with F1’s constantly changing environment.
