Max Verstappen gains key boost as Red Bull prepares to unveil 2026 car

January 8, 2026 Oliver Obel

Max Verstappen will enter Formula 1’s next regulatory era with a familiar voice still guiding him from the pit wall.

Planet F1 reports that Gianpiero Lambiase is expected to continue as Verstappen’s race engineer through the 2026 season, ending speculation that the long-serving partnership could be coming to an end just as the sport undergoes a major technical reset.

The timing matters. Formula 1 teams are preparing for sweeping changes to power units and car design, a transition that often rewards continuity as much as outright pace.

Verstappen came close to defending his world title in 2025, mounting a sustained comeback after Red Bull endured an uneven start to the season. He ultimately finished second, just two points behind Lando Norris, a result that reflected both his consistency and how narrow the margins have become at the front of the grid.

That context fed into questions over Red Bull’s internal stability during the off-season. Lambiase, who has worked alongside Verstappen throughout his championship years, was linked with a possible move to Aston Martin as the Silverstone-based team continued to strengthen its senior ranks.

Those rumours gained traction after the Abu Dhabi finale, where Lambiase told Verstappen over team radio: “You can be proud of that mate, hold your head up high.” Verstappen responded: “We showed them one final time who's boss.”

Any uncertainty now appears to have eased. Keeping Lambiase in place removes a potential distraction for Red Bull as it prepares its 2026 challenger, which is due to be unveiled next week alongside the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls car at an event in Detroit.

Driver-engineer relationships are among the most sensitive dynamics in Formula 1, often built over years of shared pressure, setbacks, and success. Verstappen has repeatedly pointed to that bond when discussing Lambiase’s role in his career.

Reflecting on the end of the 2025 season, Verstappen described it as an emotionally demanding year and praised his engineer’s resilience.

“It’s been an emotional year… it’s been tough,” he said. “But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate. Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend.”

As teams reset for 2026, Verstappen’s path back to the title will depend on many unknowns. One of the constants, at least, appears secure.

Sources: Planet F1

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