(Motorsport-Total.com) – The move of Gianpiero Lambiase from Red Bull to McLaren from 2028 continues to spark discussions in the Formula 1 paddock. After initial reports linked Lambiase with a possible role as team principal, both teams felt compelled to publicly clarify the situation.
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McLaren clarifies in a statement that Lambiase will take on the position of Chief Racing Officer in the future and will continue to report to team principal Andrea Stella. Previously, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies had sparked speculation with statements in Miami. “GP was given an extraordinary opportunity there. He will become team principal there,” Mekies said on Friday to Sky Sports.
This statement was also presented to McLaren CEO Zak Brown later the same day. He responded with humor: “Apparently he knows something I don’t. I already have a team principal and a very good one at that. Andrea Stella is the best in the pit lane. I couldn’t be happier with Andrea.”
Meeting in Miami following Mekies’ statements
On Sunday morning, a meeting took place between Brown, Mekies, and Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff in Red Bull’s hospitality. After the Miami Grand Prix, team principal Mekies was asked about the conversation.
“It was about Red Bull. He just wanted to try a Red Bull once,” the Frenchman joked at first. He then explained: “We talk very often with Zak and also with other colleagues. It had nothing to do with a specific matter. None of us wanted to turn it into ping-pong. We had a good conversation, as always, and then it moves on.”
Stella remains relaxed
In view of the current speculation about his future at McLaren, team principal Stella remains relaxed and is in a joking mood.
“Honestly, some of the recent rumors made me smile, including those about astronomical salaries and alleged pre-contracts,” Stella said. “It almost seems like the silly season started particularly early this year.”
Regarding Lambiase’s move, the Italian added metaphorically: “It almost looks like a jealous pastry chef tried to sabotage the preparation of a good dessert in the McLaren pastry shop. But we know very well how to distinguish good ingredients from poisoned cookies.”
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Red Bull plans long-term without Lambiase
While McLaren prepares for future collaboration with Lambiase, Red Bull is already working on possible successor solutions, according to Mekies.
“I have often said that we do not want to view the loss of some talents defensively. That is a fact and has been happening for three or four years,” Mekies explained. “That is why the team’s highest priority is to create an environment to retain, develop, and attract the best talents in the pit lane.”
The Frenchman also emphasized that Red Bull primarily relies on its own personnel strength. He particularly highlighted engine chief Ben Hodgkinson and technical director Pierre Waché. “We believe we already have the best talents in every area,” Mekies said. “Whenever possible, we want to promote internally. In recent years, we have developed many talents and we are proud of that.”
Mekies does not rule out external hires
“If we need special skills or experience from some of our valued competitors, then we will act as we have done before,” Mekies explained.
He refers, among other things, to the new team structure with expanded responsibilities for Ben Waterhouse as well as the upcoming arrival of Andrea Landi, who is expected to come from Ferrari and Racing Bulls.
Brown also tries to downplay the discussions afterwards. When asked about possible tensions between McLaren and Red Bull, he jokingly replied: “I brought some Monsters to see if they want to try those instead of Red Bull.” However, he then clarified: “No, everything is fine. I get along very well with Laurent. We just had to clarify a few things.”
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