Max Verstappen provides major update on Gianpiero Lambiase replacement

Max Verstappen has suggested he has already identified who he would like to see replace Gianpiero Lambiase as his race engineer.

Red Bull announced earlier this year that Lambaise would depart the team in 2028 as he makes a switch to McLaren.

It will mark the end of Verstappen's partnership with the Briton, bringing the curtain down on Lambiase's 10-plus-year stint as his race engineer.

No figure has yet been identified as a potential replacement for Lambiase, however, the role of race engineer is one of the most important positions due to the requirement of a close relationship with the driver.

Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen suggested he already has someone in mind, stating: "That does go step by step. I do have ideas about who I want.

“He’s also around within the team, so it will just happen gradually.

"But not at the moment. I think it's also a little too early for that. Of course, it is logical that at some point, somewhere at the end of the year, that will slowly change."

Lambiase's role at McLaren is set to be the chief racing officer, however Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies is adamant that Lambiase will carry out a team principal position.

As the move inches closer, Red Bull and Verstappen will be forced to discontinue the sharing of data with Lambiase.

"At some point, of course, less information will be shared,” Verstappen added. “I think he understands that himself."