Verstappen to Compete at Austrian Grand Prix Without Key Engineer Lambiase
Max Verstappen will race at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend without his usual race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who is absent for personal reasons. Lambiase, also the Head of Racing at Red Bull, has taken on expanded responsibilities within the team, leading to his temporary replacement by Simon Rennie.
Rennie, who has been with Red Bull since 2013, has extensive experience in Formula 1, having previously worked as a race engineer for notable drivers such as Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo. His familiarity with the team and with Verstappen is expected to minimize disruption during this critical double-header for Red Bull.
This weekend’s race represents a pivotal moment for Red Bull as it introduces a series of upgrades before the team’s focus shifts to the new regulations set for 2026. Verstappen acknowledged the significance of the ongoing developments, stating, "There are a few races now where something is still possible," though he tempered expectations, concluding that a significant turnaround this season appears "not very realistic."
Red Bull anticipates Lambiase’s return for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend. As the team confronts challenges in maintaining its competitive edge, the upcoming races will be instrumental in determining its championship viability.
