Red Bull stand ground over startling Gianpiero Lambiase claim

Laurent Mekies has reiterated his belief that Gianpiero Lambiase is set to join McLaren with the intention of eventually becoming team principal.

McLaren announced last month that Lambiase will join the team in 2028 after leaving his senior role at Red Bull.

During an interview at the Miami Grand Prix, Mekies suggested that Lambiase’s ultimate destination at McLaren would be the team principal position, despite the team's official announcement confirming he will take up the role of chief racing officer.

The remark prompted a response from McLaren CEO Zak Brown, who joked that Mekies “knows something I don't” as he dismissed the suggestion.

But Mekies has not backed away from the claim, telling media including RacingNews365: “Look, it’s certainly my understanding that GP is going to McLaren to become a team principal.

“That’s what I told you at the time.”

In recent months, current McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has been linked with a move to Ferrari, although he has firmly dismissed the speculation.

While Mekies admitted he is not aware of the details surrounding any future leadership structure at McLaren, he maintained that his belief stems from conversations he has had with Lambiase.

“Obviously, we had a number of conversations before he was going to make the decision,” he said.

“Now don’t ask me if it’s going to happen, the timing of it is none of my business.

“I can just tell you the content of our conversations.”