In recent hours, there’s been speculation that Frederic Vasseur has made an attempt to bring Gianpiero Lambiase to Ferrari. However, Red Bull has reportedly said no.
A team that continues to grow. Over the past few months, under the firm and watchful eye of Frederic Vasseur, many changes have taken place at Maranello: several key engineers from the Mattia Binotto era have left Ferrari (Inaki Rueda, Enrico Cardile, Simone Resta), while many others have made their way to Maranello from rival teams. Vasseur, the Frenchman at the helm, is looking to distance himself from the previous management (with Binotto having led Ferrari for four years) and is initiating a gradual revolution with the clear goal of securing the World Championship.
To win in F1, it’s crucial to make changes and build a strong and successful team. Under Vasseur, Ferrari has altered its approach, attempting to recruit engineers from other teams while slowing down the traditional promotion of young talent from Maranello’s own ranks. After the saga around Adrian Newey ended, with Vasseur confirming that the British engineer wouldn’t be joining Ferrari after a lifetime at Red Bull, Ferrari’s attention shifted to Gianpiero Lambiase, another key figure from their Austrian rivals. But why focus on Lambiase? And what role would he play at Ferrari?
The attempt for Lambiase and his potential role at Ferrari
According to paddock rumors, Fred Vasseur’s idea didn’t come to fruition. Gianpiero Lambiase, an Italian born in London in 1980, has become a true legend at Red Bull, especially in connection with Max Verstappen, the Dutch three-time World Champion. Verstappen, who has been deeply connected to Lambiase since his debut at Red Bull in 2016, has frequently highlighted his importance to the team.
Though the two have had heated radio exchanges on multiple occasions (including this season in Budapest), Lambiase’s strong and determined personality has overshadowed any criticisms Max may have directed at the team or the car. This leadership style has certainly caught Vasseur’s eye. However, some speculated that Ferrari’s interest in Lambiase might lead to the far-fetched idea of a possible move to Maranello for Super Max, currently facing challenges at Milton Keynes. While there are several changes in Ferrari’s lineup for 2025, it’s highly unlikely that Max will join the team, especially given the close bond he shares with Lambiase.
Many remember these remarks from Max at the end of the 2021 season, after his first World Championship: “I told him, when he decides to quit, I’ll leave Formula 1 too. I only want to work with him. We have an incredible relationship. Helmut Marko finds the way we communicate amazing. He’s the driver, and I’m the engineer now. I want him to tell me over the radio when I’m being an ass, and I’ll do the same with him. I have no concerns about managing strategy from the cockpit“.
Had this all ended with an incredible surprise (something that still cannot be completely ruled out, though highly improbable), what would Lambiase’s role at Ferrari have been? Gianpiero would have likely continued as a race engineer, but not for Max Verstappen—instead, he would have worked with Lewis Hamilton, who is expected to part ways with his legendary race engineer “Bono” (Peter Bonington). Hamilton, in turn, would work with Riccardo Adami, currently Carlos Sainz’s race engineer and formerly Sebastian Vettel’s during his time at Ferrari.
Photo: Scuderia Ferrari HP, Oracle Red Bull Racing
