Helmut Marko has weighed in on GianPiero Lambiase's decision to leave Red Bull for McLaren, calling it a notable loss. This move raises questions about Max Verstappen's future with the team.
GianPiero Lambiase's decision to jump ship from Red Bull to McLaren has stirred the pot in the Formula 1 world. Helmut Marko, former Red Bull adviser, has spoken out, describing Lambiase's departure as a 'significant loss' for Red Bull. This move not only impacts Red Bull but also casts doubts over the future of Max Verstappen, who has partnered with Lambiase since 2016.
For Verstappen, Lambiase has been more than just a race engineer; he's been a constant presence in the Dutchman's racing life since his move to Red Bull. Marko's comments underscore the depth of their professional relationship: 'The two were like an old married couple,' he noted, acknowledging both the camaraderie and the occasional disputes that characterized their partnership.
Lambiase's exit is the latest in a series of high-profile departures from Red Bull. The team has seen talent drain steadily, with Adrian Newey heading to Aston Martin, Jonathan Wheatley to Audi, and others like Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay also heading to McLaren. Even senior figures such as Marko himself and Christian Horner have moved on.
Looking ahead, Red Bull is expected to promote from within to fill Lambiase's role. Marko suggests the team has the depth to manage this transition, remarking that 'the team is large.' Verstappen, meanwhile, has previously hinted that he might follow Lambiase out the door, though his father, Jos Verstappen, has suggested this may not be set in stone.
'We’ve known about it for a while and we also knew when it was going to happen,' Jos Verstappen told RaceXpress, referring to Lambiase's departure. 'We’ve got another year and a half or two years to work with him.' He acknowledged the opportunity for Lambiase and expressed understanding of his decision. 'We’ve also told him: you have to go for it and grab it with both hands.'
Lambiase originally joined Red Bull in 2015, working initially with Daniil Kvyat before becoming a fixture in Verstappen's corner. As Red Bull faces the challenge of replacing him, the team and its fans will be watching closely to see how this change impacts their star driver's future and the overall team dynamic.