A shift is occurring within Red Bull Racing as it braces for the departure of key figures Adrian Newey and Jonathan Wheatley. This announcement has sparked rumors that could have implications for three-time champion Max Verstappen.
The impending exits of the two directors have opened discussions on prospective internal promotions, hinting at a new era of leadership and possibly altering the dynamic of the team considerably.
One of the figures potentially caught in this transition is Gianpiero Lambiase, currently Max Verstappen’s esteemed race engineer and the head of race engineering since 2022. Lambiase’s deep-rooted association with Formula 1 began in 2005 with Jordan, leading him through roles that shaped his path to Red Bull in 2015. Initially joining as Daniil Kvyat’s race engineer, Lambiase later stepped into the role as Verstappen’s guide when Kvyat departed.
Team boss Christian Horner has pointed towards a restructuring, suggesting a “new team structure” will be unveiled soon. Lambiase, with his extensive experience and progression within the team, is seen as a prime candidate to step into Wheatley’s shoes. However, this prospective promotion sparks a dilemma, as Lambiase’s departure from Verstappen’s side could disrupt a partnership that has been critical to the racer’s success.
Alternative solutions could also be considered where Lambiase might take on more responsibilities while potentially maintaining his crucial role by Verstappen’s side. This could involve splitting Wheatley’s responsibilities among several team members, allowing Lambiase to expand his influence without severing successful collaborations.
Horner commented as part of Red Bull’s announcement of Wheatley’s exit, as quoted by Planet F1:
“It has been a long and successful relationship with Jonathan, over 18 years.
“His contribution to six World Constructors’ titles and seven World Drivers’ Championship, first as team manager and latterly sporting director, will forever be a marker in our team history.
“Jonathan will remain in his position until the end of the 2024 season, as the team seek to defend both our World Drivers’ and World Constructors’ titles successfully. A period of gardening leave will follow in 2025.
“Everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Technology wish him all the best in his new role and would like to place our thanks to Jonathan.
“Red Bull Racing have tremendous strength and depth and this provides opportunity to elevate others within the team.
“We will announce a new team structure in the coming weeks.”
Technical Director Pierre Wache has also commented on the changes happening in the Austrian team, as quoted in the same report from Planet F1:
“For sure, but it’s not [new].
“Before, we had Peter Prodromou, who left after 2014. Mark Ellis [left after 2013].
“It’s the nature of the team, and the leaders who left – they were a leader in their area. But it’s a natural aspect of each organisation.
“For sure, [Adrian] was a big figure of the system. But at one point, we give a chance to the younger, bright people to embrace this challenge, like I have now.
“Some people like Enrico [Balbo, head of aero], Ben Waterhouse [head of performance engineering], Craig [Skinner, chief designer], Paul [Monaghan, chief engineer], it is good for the people and for the team.”
As we wait for further announcements, Red Bull Racing’s restructuring plan remains under tight wraps, with details anticipated in the coming weeks.
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