McLaren deliver insight into 'icing on the cake' Gianpiero Lambiase signing

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has described the signing of Gianpiero Lambiase as the “icing on a cake” for the squad.

Earlier this month, the Woking-based squad announced that Lambiase would join the squad in 2028 after he exits Red Bull.

Lambiase, who currently works as head of racing at Red Bull as well as Max Verstappen's race engineer, will take on the position of chief racing officer at McLaren.

Stella explained that the role has been created so the relevant duties can be carried out without adding strain to the current personnel.

“Gianpiero’s arrival is the classic icing on a cake that already has all the right ingredients in the first place,” Stella said.

“For me, he will be a key support, filling the role of chief racing officer, a position I currently hold alongside my role as team principal. 

“Together with Zak, we have always worked over the past three years to ensure the continuity over the long term in terms of leadership and expertise. 

“This is particularly true for certain key roles, like positions in the race team. It is above all in this area that the expansion of the calendar has had significant consequences in terms of personal commitment and quality of life.”

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Stella responsibilities 'not sustainable' going forward

Over the last handful of years, the F1 calendar has expanded to 24 races per season, while staff numbers have also increased.

With more personnel and duties to manage, Stella insisted his role and its responsibilities are unsustainable, requiring the need for a high-profile signing.

“Today’s Formula 1 is very different from when I started my career, over 20 years ago,” he said.

“The size of a top team has more than doubled; just consider that our workforce has grown by over 20% in numerical terms over the last three years. 

“Today, we have reached a size that is compatible with the constraints imposed by the budget cap and functional to the objective to deliver the level of performance required to succeed. 

“The role of Team Principal has also become more complex. 

“Zak and I have built a flat team structure, in which it is essential to ensure all leaders are properly empowered, but at the same time, we must guarantee there is always the necessary level of long-term support. 

“It goes without saying that, with this approach, the dual role I currently hold could not be sustainable in the long run.”