Red Bull bombshell dropped: 'Max Verstappen will leave before Gianpiero Lambiase'

Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde has delivered a stunning prediction that four-time drivers' champion Max Verstappen will depart Red Bull before his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase makes his planned move to McLaren.

The explosive claim comes amid recent news that Lambiase, who has been Verstappen's trusted voice on the radio throughout his championship-winning years, will join the Woking-based squad as part of its senior management structure from 2028 onwards.

The Italian engineer has been instrumental in guiding Verstappen to all four of his titles since their partnership began.

Writing in his column for Formule 1 Magazine, van der Garde was asked to predict who would leave Red Bull first between Lambiase and Verstappen. His response was unequivocal.

"I'm putting my money on Max," van der Garde wrote. "Red Bull doesn't have its affairs in order, and Max wants a car with which he can win races and titles. It's that simple. I also think that Max will take the next step after this season."

The Dutchman's assessment reflects growing uncertainty around Red Bull's competitive position, with the team having been unable to maintain its dominant form from previous seasons.

Under team principal Laurent Mekies, Red Bull improved in the second half of last year, but has taken another step backwards over the winter.

Van der Garde expressed complete understanding of Lambiase's career move, emphasising the mutual loyalty that has defined the engineer's relationship with Verstappen and the Verstappen family.

"First of all, it's a wonderful opportunity for Lambiase. If you can grow into the role of team boss at a top team like McLaren, then you have to grab that chance with both hands," he explained.

"He deserves it wholeheartedly. Not only do I think that, but so do the Verstappens. Lambiase has always been very loyal to Max, and they've had a fantastic time together, with four titles as a result."

Despite Lambiase's pending move to a direct competitor, van der Garde believes Red Bull should maintain the current working relationship until the engineer's departure.

"Despite knowing that Lambiase is moving to a direct competitor, I believe he should be able to continue fulfilling his current role until the very last day," van der Garde stated.

"He's a valuable asset for the team and for Max. If Red Bull is sensible, it will keep that collaboration intact for as long as possible."