Ferrari’s Failed Move For Max Verstappen’s Engineer Detailed

Ferrari, according to a new report, was interested in signing Red Bull’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who has been with Max Verstappen throughout Verstappen’s multiple title runs.

Lambiase is moving on to McLaren in two years, following the expiration of his deal with Red Bull. However, in the aftermath of his move, it has been revealed that Lambiase was a target of Ferrari.

As the team sought to improve its technical leadership, Ferrari attempted to acquire Lambiase, according to journalist Robert Chinchero, but the deal fell through.

Lambiase has been highly regarded around the paddock as one of the sport’s sharper technical minds, and his success alongside Verstappen has certainly raised his profile.

Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Red Bull Racing engineer Gianpiero Lambiase celebrates the team victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Naturally, as his reputation has grown, Lambiase has been no stranger to interest from other teams, and per Chincero, there was serious interest from Ferrari.

Lambiase’s failed move to Ferrari

“I know he had also had contacts with Ferrari two years ago,” Chinchero said. “I think there’s an advantage if you’re in the English motorsport valley.

“If you have a great professional opportunity, something that changes your life, you don’t have to move your family, your house, your children, the same schools, everything.

“Coming to Maranello is another story. You have to move your family, you have to move everything, you have to change languages.

“I mean, maybe once upon a time, Ferrari could count on the salary, but today this bonus is reserved for a couple of figures who are outside the budget cap. The rest, you’re in the budget cap, you can no longer afford to pay more than the competition pays.”