McLaren clarify Gianpiero Lambiase position after Red Bull 'team principal' claim

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has outlined Gianpiero Lambiase’s responsibilities at the team ahead of his expected arrival in 2028.

The Woking-based outfit announced last month that Lambiase will join as chief racing officer, reporting directly to Stella.

However, during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies suggested that Lambiase was joining McLaren with the intention of eventually becoming team principal, fuelling speculation over the team's future leadership structure.

Stella, however, insisted that Lambiase’s appointment was made solely to strengthen McLaren’s senior leadership group and support the team’s long-term ambitions.

“What I said before is that McLaren, for us, it’s important to employ the best talents in Formula 1,” Stella told media including RacingNews365.

“Zak and I want to build the strongest team, not only in the present, but I think we have some good references as to strong teams in the past. 

“I have been part of the Ferrari team in the early 2000s, and I know what level of seniority, expertise, leadership you need to be successful in the present and in the future. 

“And employing GP is part of this vision, which is a vision of creating additive leadership that can integrate with the present leadership and create a stronger and stronger team at McLaren.”

Stella added Lambiase will take some of the pressure off his shoulders when it comes to the day-to-day responsibilities of running the team.

“So, I very strongly wanted GP to join McLaren,” he said. 

“I am personally very stretched in my role as team principal, and I need a strong group of leaders working with me.

“The plan is very clear. Any other speculation leads us back to the silly season.”