A statement that is already set to spark debate in the Formula 1 paddock has emerged, as former driver Giedo van der Garde has suggested that Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull before his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. The prediction opens up unexpected scenarios regarding the future of the four-time world champion.
Verstappen and Red Bull: an increasingly fragile balance
Giedo van der Garde’s comments have put a spotlight on what could be a growing fracture within Red Bull. The Dutch former F1 driver was clear in his assessment: if a separation were to happen, it would be Max Verstappen who leaves the team first. It is a strong claim that reflects a potential sense of dissatisfaction, primarily linked to the current competitiveness of the car.
After several years of technical dominance, the Milton Keynes-based team appears to have lost part of its previous advantage. Although there were signs of recovery in the second half of last season, the most recent winter developments have raised new concerns, fueling doubts about Red Bull’s ability to remain at the very top of Formula 1.
The Lambiase factor and the McLaren future
At the center of this discussion is also Gianpiero Lambiase, Verstappen’s long-time race engineer and a key figure in all four of his world championship titles. His expected move to McLaren in 2028, in a senior management role, represents a major shift both in his career path and in the broader balance of the paddock.
Van der Garde emphasized that such a decision is entirely understandable, as progressing into a top leadership position within a leading Formula 1 team is an opportunity that is extremely difficult to refuse. At the same time, he also highlighted the strong relationship of trust built over the years between Lambiase, Verstappen, and the driver’s family.
Red Bull under pressure: the risk of losing Verstappen
The most critical aspect of the situation remains competitiveness. Verstappen has consistently made his priority clear: he needs a car capable of winning. If Red Bull cannot guarantee that level of performance, then an exit becomes a realistic scenario rather than speculation.
Van der Garde’s prediction is straightforward: the Dutch world champion could choose to change teams as early as after this season, potentially even before any internal developments involving Lambiase take effect. If such a scenario were to materialize, it would represent a major shock for the entire Formula 1 driver market.
Final analysis
Van der Garde’s statement should not be seen only as provocation, but also as a signal worth paying attention to. In Formula 1, competitive cycles shift quickly, and the driver–car combination remains the decisive factor for success. If Red Bull is unable to consistently return to the front, keeping Verstappen long-term could become an increasingly difficult challenge. The future of the four-time world champion is, at this moment, less predictable than ever.
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