Red Bull questioned after Gianpiero Lambiase joins McLaren in shock move

Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has weighed in on the shock news that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave Red Bull.

The Milton Keynes-based squad announced last week that Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer will depart his role with the team in 2028.

It was soon after announced by McLaren that it had acquired the services of Lambiase, who will join the team as chief racing officer.

Speaking to AS Colombia, Montoya suggested Red Bull could have easily matched McLaren's offer to Lambiase.

"It is interesting, though, because he will now have a more important role than he had or could have had at Red Bull,” Montoya said.

“It's also a role that Red Bull could have known he could have gotten elsewhere. 

“I don't know for sure, but when I look at all he has achieved, I personally think it is a role that Red Bull certainly could have given him as well." 

Lambiase's exit has once again thrown Verstappen's future into uncertainty, with the Briton long noted as one of his closest Red Bull allies.

The team is currently struggling with its performance, having endured a lacklustre opening three rounds.

Should improvements fail to be found, Montoya has predicted Verstappen will seek the exit door.

“Look at Mercedes. Kimi Antonelli has won the last two races, but George Russell is suddenly really struggling,” he said.

“And team boss Toto Wolff has always said very clearly that he wants Max in his team. This could well be the perfect opportunity for Verstappen.

"Red Bull is on the slower side. If they stay that way all year, Max will definitely be looking for a way out, for a way to leave as soon as possible."