Team principal Andrea Stella confirmed the arrival of Gianpiero Lambiase will play a central role in McLaren’s long-term leadership evolution as the team adapts to the growing demands of modern Formula 1.Lambiase is set to join McLaren as Chief Racing Officer in 2028, strengthening the team’s operational structure and welcoming a Formula 1 heavy hitter into the fold at Woking.In an interview published on thre official McLaren website, Stella said: “GianPiero’s arrival will add a great amount of expertise and potential to the team for the long term. At the same time, it is further confirmation of how attractive McLaren has become to the best talents in Formula 1.”
The appointment will also allow Stella to step back from his current dual responsibilities: “For me, he will be a key support, filling the role of Chief Racing Officer, a position I currently hold alongside my role as Team Principal. With this approach, the dual role I currently hold could not be sustainable in the long run.”
Stella pointed to the increasing scale of Formula 1 operations as a key factor, with McLaren’s workforce expanding significantly in recent years.
Stella backs Norris and Piastri partnership
Stella also credited McLaren’s internal culture and recent success for attracting high-profile figures such as Lambiase: “This credibility we have gained is the result of the hard work done by all men and women who have worked at McLaren over recent years to build a culture that allows people to grow and contribute to the common goal, in a healthy and enjoyable environment.”
Alongside structural changes, Stella emphasised the importance of stability in the driver line-up, praising both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri: “I’m very pleased with how Oscar and Lando are working, both with the team and with each other.
“They’ve been teammates for over three years now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a relaxed atmosphere between them. Oscar is demonstrating a maturity and a desire to continue growing as a driver and as a man that has really impressed me.
“As for Lando, becoming World Champion hasn’t changed him in the slightest, which is very important, both for him and for the team,” said Stella.
With leadership structure evolving and driver harmony intact, McLaren is positioning itself for long-term stability as it looks to return to the front under the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, despite a unimpressive start to the season.