Max Verstappen Celebrates Milestone Singapore GP Win With Gianpiero Lambiase
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen reflected on an emotional milestone at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, describing the experience of sharing the podium with his departing race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase as “very special”. The Dutchman produced a commanding performance throughout the weekend, securing his second grand prix victory of the campaign. Verstappen asserted his authority from the outset, converting pole positions in both the sprint race and the grand prix into definitive race wins.
To celebrate the breakthrough victory at a venue where the pairing had never previously triumphed, Red Bull Racing selected Lambiase to accompany Verstappen on the podium to collect the winning constructor’s trophy. The gesture carried significant weight within the Milton Keynes-based team, acknowledging their lengthy and decorated partnership before Lambiase embarks on a new chapter in his Formula 1 career.
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During the post-race press conference, Verstappen opened up about standing alongside his longtime engineer on the Marina Bay rostrum. “Yeah, didn’t expect that. I remember he said to me last year in Vegas, ‘This might be the last time I’m on the podium.’ I said, ‘Don’t be silly, we’re going to win much more,'” the Red Bull driver explained. “But I almost jinxed myself there, I guess. And yeah, it was just super nice that they sent him up. Of course, we all know that he is leaving, but I think it was very special to share the podium here on a track that we had not won together. So very nice to see him up there.”
The podium reunion arrives amid an established transition plan for Red Bull’s engineering lineup. In April 2026, it was confirmed that Lambiase will depart Red Bull once his contractual obligations conclude at the end of 2027, unless an earlier arrangement between teams is formalized. Lambiase is slated to take on the role of chief racing officer at McLaren no later than 2028. Consequently, Tom Hart will step in as Verstappen’s race engineer for the 2027 season, while also assuming engineering duties during select rounds in 2026, specifically the United States, Brazilian, and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
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Why This Matters
The iconic dynamic between Verstappen and Lambiase has served as a central pillar of Red Bull’s modern championship era. With Lambiase preparing to depart for rivals McLaren, managing a seamless handover to Tom Hart is crucial for maintaining operational continuity across upcoming race weekends. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s recent resurgence—building on consecutive triumphs following a win at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia alongside his Singapore success—has elevated him to fourth in the drivers’ championship with 221 points. Although he remains 119 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, the Marina Bay victory demonstrates that the Verstappen-Lambiase partnership remains a formidable force through the final stages of their tenure together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gianpiero Lambiase going after leaving Red Bull?
Gianpiero Lambiase will move to McLaren to serve as their chief racing officer. His Red Bull contract runs through the end of 2027, meaning he will join McLaren no later than 2028 unless an early release is agreed upon.
Who will replace Gianpiero Lambiase as Max Verstappen’s race engineer?
Tom Hart is set to take over as Verstappen’s primary race engineer for the 2027 season. Hart will also engineer Verstappen’s car at selected 2026 events, including the United States, Brazilian, and Las Vegas Grands Prix.
How does Max Verstappen stand in the championship battle after Singapore?
Following back-to-back wins, Verstappen ranks fourth in the drivers’ championship standings with 221 points, sitting 119 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
