Jos Verstappen Reacts to Gianpiero Lambiase Leaving Red Bull
Jos Verstappen has publicly addressed the surprising revelation that Gianpiero Lambiase is set to depart Red Bull for a rival team.
Lambiase has been Max Verstappen‘s trusted race engineer ever since the Dutch driver arrived at the Milton Keynes outfit early in the 2016 campaign. Over the years they have forged a formidable working relationship and built one of the most dominant partnerships in Formula One history.
Despite their immense success Red Bull recently confirmed that Lambiase will leave the team in 2028 to take up a new role as chief racing officer at McLaren.
Speaking to RaceXpress, Jos Verstappen explained that the announcement was not a shock to the driver’s inner circle.
«We knew for a while and we also knew when it was going to happen,» Jos explained. «We have another year and a half to two years to work with him. It’s a huge opportunity for him so we understand.»
He added that they actively encouraged the esteemed engineer to take the new job. «We also told him to do it and grab it with both hands. Beyond that it’s up to Red Bull to replace him. We will see.»
Lambiase’s upcoming exit has naturally fuelled speculation regarding Max’s own future. The four-time world champion previously stated he would only stay with Red Bull if his race engineer remained by his side.
However Jos dismissed the idea that his son would automatically walk away from the team based on an old comment.
«I think things have changed,» he noted. «Certainly after four championships you have achieved a lot together but that is up to Max. However I think he will just continue.»
