Talks of major Formula 1 personnel shake-up have been revealed, with an emotional radio message sparking speculation in Abu Dhabi – Following the Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi, attention quickly shifted from the on-track action to the future of one of the sport’s most recognisable partnerships. Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, raised eyebrows with an unusually emotional radio message that many interpreted as a possible farewell. In the highly scrutinised world of Formula 1, such moments rarely go unnoticed, and speculation about Lambiase’s future gathered pace almost immediately.
For years, Lambiase has been Verstappen’s steady counterpart, guiding the Dutchman through races with clarity and authority. Any suggestion that this relationship could be coming to an end is bound to send shockwaves through the paddock.
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Nearly a Decade at the Heart of Red Bull’s Success
Lambiase joined Red Bull Racing in 2016 and has been Verstappen’s race engineer throughout the driver’s most successful period. Together, they have claimed four World Championship titles and an extraordinary 71 Grand Prix victories. Their radio exchanges, often tense, occasionally humorous, but always effective, have become part of modern Formula 1 folklore.
While Verstappen’s raw aggression and competitive spirit are well documented, Lambiase’s calm and analytical approach has been instrumental in transforming potential chaos into success. For Red Bull, this pairing has been one of the most stable and productive on the grid.
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Aston Martin Enters the Picture
According to a report by The Race, high-ranking sources within Formula 1 believe that Lambiase has recently held talks with Aston Martin. The British team, which has made no secret of its ambition to win championships in the long term, is said to be exploring the possibility of offering the 45-year-old Italian a significant leadership role.
The report suggests that Aston Martin sees Lambiase not merely as a race engineer, but as a senior figure capable of shaping the team’s competitive direction. Such a move would represent a significant increase in responsibility and influence, as well as being a clear indication of Aston Martin’s intent to strengthen its management structure ahead of the next regulatory era.
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Potential Leadership Role at Aston Martin
Lambiase is reportedly being considered for either the team principal or CEO role. If he accepts the role, he will be reunited with Adrian Newey, with whom he worked closely during his time at Red Bull. Newey, widely regarded as Formula 1’s most influential designer, is set to take on the responsibilities of the current team principal, Andy Cowell; however, his primary focus is expected to remain on car development.
According to The Race, one scenario under discussion would see Lambiase initially supporting the new team principal, enabling Newey to focus on his core technical strengths. However, the precise structure is said to remain open and subject to further negotiation.
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A Long-Term Succession Plan?
Intriguingly, the report also speculates that Lambiase could eventually succeed Newey as team principal, should he prove himself in a senior leadership role. Their strong working relationship at Red Bull is seen as a key factor here, with sources describing their collaboration as consistently positive and productive.
For Aston Martin, such a succession plan would offer continuity and technical credibility — two qualities that are often lacking in teams that are attempting to progress from being midfield contenders to becoming title challengers.
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What would it mean for Red Bull and Verstappen?
If Lambiase were to leave Red Bull, it would have a significant impact. Verstappen has built much of his on-track rhythm around the trust he has in his race engineer, and replacing that dynamic would be no small task. While Red Bull has depth within its engineering ranks, the loss of such an experienced and influential figure would signal the end of an era.
For now, nothing is confirmed. However, with talks reportedly ongoing, Lambiase’s future is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing off-track stories as Formula 1 looks ahead to the next chapter of its relentless evolution.
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Fresh revelations surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari have rocked Formula 1, with new reports suggesting his contract with the Scuderia is significantly longer than initially assumed. According to Bild, the seven-time world champion is secured not only for the upcoming regulatory era, but also for a period well beyond 2026.
The German publication claims that Hamilton’s Ferrari deal runs until at least the end of the 2027 Formula 1 season. Even more intriguingly, the contract reportedly includes a unilateral option that would allow Hamilton to extend his stay by a further year, potentially keeping him at Ferrari until the end of 2028.
Hamilton’s clause
If he activates this clause, he will be 43 years old when the agreement expires. This information from BILD contrasts sharply with the widespread belief that Hamilton’s commitment to Ferrari would end in 2026, when the new engine regulations come into effect.
Neither Hamilton nor Ferrari has publicly confirmed the precise duration of the contract. When the blockbuster move was officially announced in February 2024, both parties described it only as a ‘multi-year’ agreement, leaving room…READ MORE
A senior writer at TJ13, C.J. Alderson serves as Senior Editor and newsroom coordinator, with a background in online sports reporting and motorsport magazine editing. Alderson’s professional training in media studies and experience managing content teams ensures TJ13 maintains consistency of voice and credibility. During race weekends, Alderson acts as desk lead, directing contributors and smoothing breaking stories for publication.