Max headed to McLaren!?
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This week's episode of Back of the Grid dives into the seismic news that Gianpiero Lambiassi, Red Bull's Head of Racing and Max Verstappen's long-time race engineer, is leaving for McLaren in 2028 as Chief Racing Officer. The announcement, which came with little warning, adds to a growing exodus of top Red Bull personnel—including Adrian Newey, Rob Marshall, and Jonathan Wheatley—raising concerns about the team's leadership vacuum and declining performance. The hosts explore how the departure of such a pivotal figure could impact Verstappen, who has publicly expressed deep reliance on Lambiassi, potentially signaling a move toward retirement or a sabbatical after the 2027 season. While Verstappen is expected to remain in F1 for 2027, his future beyond that is uncertain unless McLaren opens a seat. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of leadership versus management in F1 teams, with comparisons to Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, and reflects on Verstappen’s unique passion for racing across formats, from GT3 to endurance events. The episode concludes with a preview of the revised F2 and F3 calendars, now including races in Miami and Canada, making the Canadian Grand Prix weekend a packed motorsport festival.
Gianpiero Lambiassi is leaving Red Bull for McLaren in 2028 as Chief Racing Officer, marking a major leadership shift.
His departure is part of a broader exodus from Red Bull, raising concerns about team stability and future competitiveness.
Max Verstappen’s future beyond 2027 is now in serious doubt, with Lambiassi’s exit potentially pushing him toward retirement or a move to McLaren.
Red Bull’s current leadership under Lauren Meckes lacks the visionary figurehead presence of Christian Horner, contributing to talent drain.
Verstappen’s passion for racing extends beyond F1—he’s actively involved in GT3, endurance racing, and sim racing, reflecting his natural drive.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Shocking Departure of GP Lambiassi
“It sort of, in a way, felt a bit like the Hamilton to Ferrari announcement where there was absolutely no talk of it. Suddenly a rumour and by the end of the day it was official.”
Red Bull’s Leadership Vacuum
“They've replaced the management void with Lauren Meckes but they've not replaced the leadership void that it's left.”
Max Verstappen’s Future in Doubt
“I find it hard to believe he's not going to have a pretty extensive period of gardening leave, which would mean Max having a different race engineer for at least part of next season.”
Leadership vs. Management in F1 Teams
A deep dive into the difference between management and true leadership, comparing Christian Horner and Toto Wolff to current figures like Lauren Meckes and Andrea Stella.
Verstappen’s Passion Beyond F1 and the Canadian Calendar
The hosts reflect on Verstappen’s natural love for racing across formats, from GT3 to endurance events, and preview the expanded Canadian Grand Prix weekend with multiple support series.
“He's never given anything up to be a Formula One driver. When people say, do you not feel like you've sacrificed things to get to where you are? And it's like, well, no, because since the age of six years old going in a go-kart, it's what I've wanted to do my entire life.”
“They've replaced the management void with Lauren Meckes but they've not replaced the leadership void that it's left.”
“It sort of, in a way, felt a bit like the Hamilton to Ferrari announcement where there was absolutely no talk of it. Suddenly a rumour and by the end of the day it was official.”
Hosts
Max Verstappen
person
Red Bull Racing
organization
Gianpiero Lambiassi
person
McLaren
organization
Christian Horner
person
Toto Wolff
person
Lauren Meckes
person
Andrea Stella
person
Canadian Grand Prix
other
Adrian Newey
person
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