Aston Martin is reportedly making a play for Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer, aiming to
bring him on board in a senior management position. This move comes amidst speculation about Lambiase's future with Red
Bull following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and coincides with Aston Martin's ongoing efforts to restructure its leadership,
particularly with Adrian Newey assuming the role of team principal in 2026.
The potential acquisition of Lambiase signals Aston Martin's ambition to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Lambiase's established track record in Formula 1, particularly his close and effective working relationship with
Verstappen since 2016, makes him a valuable asset. His engineering expertise has been instrumental in Verstappen's
success, contributing to race wins and championship contention. Aston Martin's interest suggests a desire to inject
proven performance-enhancing strategies and leadership into their team.
Lambiase's possible departure from Red Bull raises questions about the team's future dynamics. Verstappen has publicly
praised Lambiase's contributions, especially during a challenging season where personal circumstances impacted
Lambiase's availability. The loss of such an experienced and trusted engineer could necessitate adjustments within Red
Bull's engineering team and potentially affect Verstappen's performance, at least initially. The team may look to
promote from within, with Daniel Ricciardo's former race engineer Simon Rennie being a logical candidate, having filled
in for Lambiase previously.
Aston Martin's pursuit of Lambiase is further complicated by Red Bull's likely resistance to losing him. The team
recognizes Lambiase's value and the positive impact he has on their overall performance. However, the opportunity to
take on a senior management role at Aston Martin, potentially even at the team principal or CEO level, could prove
Furthermore, the timing of this potential move is critical. With significant personnel changes already occurring at Red
Bull, including the anticipated departure of Helmut Marko and other key engineers, Lambiase's exit could further
destabilize the team. Conversely, if Aston Martin secures Lambiase, it would represent a significant coup, providing
Newey with experienced support in managing the team and allowing him to focus on car design – an area he explicitly
prioritizes. This could accelerate Aston Martin's development and improve their competitiveness in the coming seasons.
The potential reunion of Newey and Lambiase at Aston Martin is noteworthy, given their successful collaboration at Red
Bull. Their existing working relationship could facilitate a smoother transition and integration of Lambiase into Aston
Martin's structure. The team's willingness to offer a senior management position demonstrates their commitment to
attracting top talent and creating a winning environment.