Max Verstappen supports Gianpiero Lambiase's Red Bull exit decision, according to Jos Verstappen

Max Verstappen's father Jos has revealed that he and his son had known that the four-time champion's Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase was going to leave the Milton Keynes outfit. 

Lambiase has signed with McLaren from 2028 after his current contract expires. The British-Italian engineer will join the Woking outfit as chief racing officer, reporting to team principal Andrea Stella.

Verstappen Sr was asked about Lambiase's move during an interview with RaceXpress. "We knew for a while, and we also knew when it was going to happen," he explained.

"We have another year and a half to two years to work with him. It's a huge opportunity for him, so we understand. We also told him to do it and grab it with both hands. Beyond that, it's up to Red Bull to replace him. We will see."

The Red Bull driver previously told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport in 2021 that he would only like to work with Lambiase, raising questions about his future. "I have said to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too," he said at the time.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing and his father Jos Verstappen

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images

"Of course, we can be pretty strict with each other sometimes, but I want that too. He has to tell me when I'm being a jerk and I have to tell him. I always told him that."

Verstappen has not confirmed whether he would follow through on his previous comments, but he has been forthcoming with his thoughts on the new regulation cars, describing them as "Formula E on steroids".

While he is under contract with Red Bull until the end of 2028, he has said that he would consider walking away from the championship at the end of 2026 if he doesn't begin to enjoy the new regulations.