F1 2026: Max Verstappen Under Threat of Losing GP. Will He Follow Adrian Newey to Aston Martin?

mobilinanews (English) - Max Verstappen is not only at risk of losing his World Championship title, but he may also be losing key figures who have played a crucial role in his 4 consecutive F1 world titles from 2021 to 2025.

Renowned designer Adrian Newey has left Red Bull Racing for Aston Martin. In July, Christian Horner was also fired from his role as team principal. Just three weeks ago, Helmut Marko, who had been Verstappen's key mentor and promoter, decided to retire from his position as Senior Advisor, a role that often helped shape Verstappen's racing strategy.

Now, Verstappen may be at risk of losing Gianpiero Lambiase, a key race engineer who has been working closely with him since his days at Red Bull. Lambiase is responsible for providing strategic guidance and communicating with Verstappen through radio during races.

According to European motorsport media outlets, Lambiase has reportedly opened talks with potential new employers and may be leaving Red Bull for Aston Martin, where he will join Adrian Newey, who has recently taken on a new role as Team Principal. Lambiase has been offered a prestigious position within the team's management structure and is seen as a key figure in Newey's plans for the team.

The departure of Newey, followed by Horner, Marko, and the potential departure of Lambiase has left Red Bull's organizational structure in disarray. Since Newey's departure, the team has seen a series of personnel changes, including the hiring of Laurent Mekies as team principal and the promotion of Daniel Ricciardo as a potential replacement for Lambiase.

Despite the rumors, Verstappen has remained silent on the issue, preferring to focus on his personal life with his partner, Kelly Piquet, and their two daughters. However, he has previously expressed concerns about the impact of Lambiase's absence during races, stating that it made his racing experience 'anxious'.

The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, and fans will have to wait until the end of the season to see how it develops. (r)