Lambiase has been by Verstappen’s side since the latter was promoted to Red Bull Racing back in 2026, and that relationship has been an ultra-successful one, yielding four world titles.
While Verstappen himself is yet to comment on Lambiase’s exit, his father Jos had something to say; he commented: “I think things have changed [since 2021].
“Especially after four championships, you have achieved a lot together. The last one is up to Max, but I just think he will continue.
“We’ve known it for a while,” Verstappen senior revealed, “and we also knew when it was going to happen. So we have another year and a half, let’s say two years, to work with him.
“It is a huge opportunity for him, and we understand it. We also said, ‘You have to do it; you have to seize it with both hands.’
“And the rest is up to Red Bull to replace him. So we’ll see,” Jos Verstappen maintained.
The departure of Lambiase added to the reasons why Max Verstappen’s future is hanging in the balance with Red Bull Racing’s struggles in 2026 and the disastrous new regulations, which the four-time F1 champion is clearly not a fan of.
Will changes convince Max?
When asked if the expected changes may change his son’s mind, he said: “I think so. It looks like Formula 1 and the FIA are going to adjust the regulations after all. Look what they can do this year; that will help.
“But I think everyone, the fans, but also the drivers, are complaining bitterly. I think it is good for Formula 1 to get that done too. But I think they know very well what they need to do.
“As a driver, I find it less enjoyable too,” the former F1 driver added. “Every now and then I’m watching, and I turn off the television because it interests me less. It is not the Formula 1 that Formula 1 stands for.
“Where so much is demanded of the driver, now it is more of an engineering competition where the driver has to lift off a lot. Where they can no longer make the difference as a driver.