Zak Brown shares feelings over shock Gianpiero Lambiase coup

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has expressed his excitement after the team secured the appointment of Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, as chief racing officer for 2028.

Writing on X, the American announced: "Happy to share that Gianpiero Lambiase will join the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Chief Racing Officer, reporting into Team Principal Andrea Stella, when his contract ends no later than 2028.

"He joins an incredible team under Andrea's leadership, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together."

The move represents another significant coup for McLaren in its recruitment drive following back-to-back constructors' titles in 2024 and 2025, and Lando Norris' drivers' championship in 2025.

Lambiase has been Verstappen's race engineer since May 2016, forming one of Formula 1's most successful partnerships with four world championships and 71 grand prix victories together. He currently holds dual roles at Red Bull as head of racing and race engineer.

The 45-year-old had been the subject of intense interest across the paddock, with Aston Martin rumoured to have made a substantial approach at the end of 2025 to recruit him as team principal. Williams was also understood to have expressed interest before McLaren secured his signature.

Lambiase's departure continues a worrying trend for Red Bull, having lost a series of key personnel in recent years.

Adrian Newey left in 2024 to join Aston Martin, whilst Jonathan Wheatley departed to become Audi's team principal, a role he has since relinquished.

Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay also left for McLaren in senior roles, as chief designer and sporting director, respectively.

The Milton Keynes-based squad's original team principal, Christian Horner, was sacked after the 2025 British Grand Prix, with Helmut Marko also departing in December of that year.

The chief racing officer role already exists within McLaren's structure, but has been managed by Stella alongside his team principal duties.

Lambiase's appointment is designed to allow Stella to focus more broadly on his principal responsibilities whilst providing strategic leadership of the race team.