Formula 1 News: Gianpiero Lambiase’s Future in Flux Amid Wife’s Cancer Battle and Aston Martin Rumors (Update)
Despite all the rumors to the contrary, Gianpiero Lambiase will remain as Max Verstappen’s race engineer and Red Bull’s Head of Racing during the 2026 F1 season, despite interest from other teams per Dutch journalist Erik van Haren (from De Telegraaf).
That said, it does not necessarily mean that a move in the longer term is completely ruled out. Lambiase’s contract with Red Bull runs until the end of 2027, but his wife’s battle with cancer, depending on how it goes, will likely dictate whether Lambiase can be away from her at races around the world, or be assigned a new role in Milton Keyes closer to her.
It is likely that no final decision has been made yet regarding the offers from other teams, and whether Verstappen stays with Red Bull long-term will likely weigh on his decision.
January 7, 2026
In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where travel demands are relentless and personal lives often take a backseat, few stories hit as close to home as that of Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase (pictured with Max Verstappen).
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The British-Italian engineer, Max Verstappen’s race engineer since 2016 and Red Bull’s Head of Racing since 2025, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. But as the 2025 season ended, revelations about his wife Eloisa’s battle with breast cancer have cast new light on his emotional moments trackside—and sparked speculation about his 2026 plans.
The news broke publicly in late December 2025 when Eloisa Lambiase shared a heartfelt Facebook post celebrating a treatment milestone. She expressed gratitude to her medical team, friends, and family, writing:
The journey’s not over… but with the support I have behind me I can take on anything.
Accompanying posts from family bakers highlighted her strength during this challenging period. The couple has a young child, making the demanding F1 calendar—24 races in 2026, spanning continents—even more taxing.
This explains Lambiase’s absences from the 2025 Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix (where Simon Rennie deputized for Verstappen), his visible emotion on the Abu Dhabi pit wall, and Verstappen’s post-race comments about a “tough” year for his engineer. Verstappen praised Lambiase’s passion, calling him not just a colleague but a friend.
The Aston Martin Temptation
Amid this personal trial, reports emerged on December 26, 2025, that Aston Martin—fresh off poaching Adrian Newey—is targeting Lambiase for a senior leadership role, based in their Silverstone, England facility. Sources indicate discussions have taken place, with a move allowing Lambiase to reunite with Newey (former Red Bull Chief Engineer) while significantly reducing travel. Aston Martin’s Silverstone base is in the UK, aligning perfectly with a desire to stay closer to home in Bedfordshire.
A senior management position would involve less globe-trotting than his current trackside duties, offering better work-life balance during Eloisa’s ongoing treatment. Rumors suggest Newey, set as interim team principal in 2026, prefers focusing on design over full-time leadership—making room for Lambiase in a revamped structure.
Red Bull insiders are reportedly “worried” about losing him, viewing it as a major blow to Verstappen, who has already seen key personnel depart amid the team’s post-dominance transition.
Note: Aston Martin is not the only one trying to poach Lambiase. The Williams team, led by James Vowles, is also rumored to be in the hunt.
Will Red Bull Accommodate?
Red Bull has shown flexibility before, allowing Lambiase’s 2025 absences without issue. Early speculation suggested he might step back from Verstappen’s race engineer role in 2026 while staying in a factory-based or reduced-travel position at Milton Keynes. However, no official confirmation has come, and Aston Martin’s lucrative offer—potentially “big money” in a high-profile role—adds pressure.
Verstappen has voiced strong preference for continuity, but understands personal priorities. If Red Bull can’t match Aston’s reduced-travel appeal, a departure seems plausible. Simon Rennie remains a ready replacement on the radio.
As of late December 2025, no decision is finalized. Lambiase, 45 and at the peak of his career, faces a profound choice: loyalty to the team that elevated him, or prioritizing family during a critical time.
The F1 paddock sends collective best wishes to the Lambiase family. Whatever GP decides, his legacy—as the calm voice guiding Verstappen to 71 wins and four titles—is secure.