Big news from the F1 paddock today. Gianpiero Lambiase (better known as “GP”) is leaving Red Bull Racing. If you don’t know who he is, he’s the man who talks to Max Verstappen over the radio during every race. The two have worked together since 2016 and won four world championships together. Yeah, that guy.
So where is he going? McLaren. He’ll join them in 2028 as their new Chief Racing Officer, which basically means he’ll be one of the most senior people running things at the team on race weekends.
Red Bull kept it short and sweet in their statement, saying GP “is a valued member of the team” and that everyone remains “fully committed to add more success” until he leaves.
McLaren, on the other hand, were clearly delighted, announcing they were “pleased” to bring him on board and calling the signing proof of their “long-term commitment to confirming its position as a Championship-winning team.”
Here’s the bigger picture: GP is not the first big name to walk out of Red Bull and straight into McLaren. Designer Rob Marshall and Sporting Director Will Courtenay both made the same move in recent years. McLaren are essentially building their team using Red Bull’s best people.
And what does this mean for Verstappen? Well, he’s already hinted he might quit F1 at the end of 2026, and losing his most trusted ally certainly doesn’t make staying any more appealing.
