Red Bull reveal true Gianpiero Lambiase role at McLaren

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has stated Gianpiero Lambiase will serve as a “team principal” at McLaren when he joins the rival set-up in 2028.

Last month, the Woking-based squad announced the signing of Lambiase to the role of chief racing officer.

The Briton has served as Max Verstappen's race engineer since 2016, which stands as one of the most successful driver-engineer partnerships in F1 history.

While the news of his departure marked another major name exit from the Red Bull team in recent times, Mekies is confident it will not impact the team's direction.

“We don't want to be defensive about it,” Mekies told Sky F1. “We have lost quite a few key people in the last four or five years, it is very true. 

“We take it very seriously, and everything we do is to try to make sure that we have the best environment to attract, to develop and to retain our people. 

“I'm confident it's an area where we will succeed. Is it going to be a linear way to it, with nobody leaving anymore? No.”

During the recent April break, McLaren CEO Zak Brown highlighted that the role of the team principal had evolved in recent years, with more duties being taken on board.

He stated Lambiase will carry some of that workload when he arrives - but in Mekies' mind, it makes him a team principal at his new squad.

“'GP' had an extraordinary opportunity,” he said. “He's going to be a team principal there. 

“[I can't] do anything else [other] than wishing him well. 

“This team is creating talents. We are very proud to, as often as we can, rely on internal promotions. 

“If we have a need to go and look for a specific set of skills or experience in the pit lane, we will do it, and we are happy to do it.

“He has two long years with us. We all say to each other that we want these two full year to be very successful, and that's what we are focusing on.”