Zak Brown says Red Bull’s handling of Gianpiero Lambiase exit could make things ‘uncomfortable’

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McLaren CEO Zak Brown has suggested that Red Bull’s approach to Gianpiero Lambiase’s departure could lead to an ‘uncomfortable’ situation between the teams.

Lambiase’s switch from Red Bull to McLaren was announced during Formula 1’s April break, but he won’t join his new team until 2028.

Lambiase will become McLaren’s Chief Racing Officer, reporting directly to team principal Andrea Stella.

There are now calls for Red Bull to consider moving him on sooner, in order to limit his access to future plans and sensitive information before he joins a rival team.

But speaking this week, Laurent Mekies made it clear that Red Bull intend for Lambiase to see out his contract as planned.

Zak Brown suggests Gianpiero Lambiase remaining at Red Bull could become ‘awkward’

On Friday, McLaren CEO Zak Brown addressed questions about Gianpiero Lambiase’s move to the team and whether an earlier transition might be possible.

Brown pointed out that it could eventually become uncomfortable for Red Bull to keep Lambiase around, especially as the team begins planning ahead.

The American also compared the situation to Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, noting how Mercedes gradually limited what Hamilton had access to after his switch was announced.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Brown explained: “We know how this game works. At some point, it will probably be uncomfortable having someone who you know is going to a rival team. I know my general view is that if someone wants to move on, you need to do it in a measured way.”

“But if someone doesn’t want to be in my team anymore… I’ve never been one who feels like people steal from each other like drivers, sponsors,” he continued.