Jos Verstappen Cites "Money" as Primary Driver Behind GianPiero Lambiase’s Strategic McLaren Move

Jos Verstappen claims McLaren’s "fantastic" financial offer was the key factor in GianPiero Lambiase’s exit from Red Bull. Read the full details on the move.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 4:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

The Financial Catalyst for a Strategic Exit

The high-profile departure of GianPiero Lambiase from Red Bull Racing has been characterized by Jos Verstappen as a decision primarily motivated by financial security. Responding to social media speculation regarding McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella’s recruitment success, the elder Verstappen stated bluntly that the move occurred because McLaren is "offering him a lot of money." This blunt assessment follows a series of high-level exits from Red Bull, suggesting that rival teams are successfully leveraging their commercial growth to headhunt the technical architects of the Milton Keynes-based squad’s recent dominance.

Max Verstappen’s Role in the Approval Process

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen revealed that Lambiase sought his personal approval before finalizing the agreement with McLaren. Describing the proposal as a "fantastic offer," Verstappen emphasized that he encouraged his long-time engineer to accept the deal, particularly considering the long-term security it provides for Lambiase’s family. The driver noted that after achieving every possible milestone together at Red Bull, he felt it would be "daft" for Lambiase to decline a promotion of this magnitude, even if it meant joining a primary rival.

A New Leadership Tier at McLaren

Lambiase is set to join McLaren as the Chief Racing Officer, a senior leadership position that places him directly under Andrea Stella. This role is a significant step up from his current duties as Head of Race Engineering at Red Bull. Reports suggest that McLaren’s "credibility," bolstered by their championship successes in 2024 and 2025, made the team an attractive destination for Lambiase, who had also been approached by Aston Martin for a similar executive role. His contract ensures he will be in place at Woking no later than the start of the 2028 season.