Lambiase leaving: what next for Max + Red Bull? Can McLaren catch Mercedes in '26?
About this episode
GP Lambiase is leaving Red Bull for McLaren, staying on as Verstappen’s race engineer until 2028 before taking a chief racing officer role. The hosts debate how seismic the move is for Verstappen’s future, Red Bull’s rebuild under Laurent Mekies, and whether McLaren can close the gap to Mercedes in 2026. They also discuss the importance of driver-engineer chemistry and Red Bull’s likely need to promote from within. Mark Tempel then breaks down McLaren’s 2026 priorities, explaining how drivers are adapting to new energy/traction demands and why chassis development should drive most gains.
Tom Clarkson is joined by former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer and IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe to discuss the news that Max Verstappen’s race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, will leave Red Bull Racing in 2028 and join McLaren as their Chief Racing Officer.
What does Lambiase’s departure mean for Red Bull? How will it affect Verstappen’s future at the team? And what will GP bring to McLaren?
Plus, the guys are joined by McLaren’s Technical Director of Performance, Mark Temple, who says Mercedes are 'beatable' in 2026 and tells us about the upgrade work being done at the factory before the Miami GP.
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