McLaren could be set to enjoy an earlier-than-expected injection of Red Bull expertise, with Zak Brown suggesting that Gianpiero Lambiase may be wearing papaya as soon as next year.
The McLaren Racing CEO has offered an optimistic update on the highly anticipated arrival of Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer, hinting that the latter’s move from Milton Keynes to Woking could happen considerably sooner than originally anticipated.
McLaren confirmed in April that Lambiase would join the team as its chief racing officer, ending his long association with Red Bull and Verstappen.
The move was initially expected to take place at some point in 2028, with Lambiase having spent more than a decade at Verstappen’s side as the Dutchman established himself as a four-time world champion.
But Brown now appears to be expecting the engineer to make the switch much earlier.
A valuable addition for 2027?
Asked by Sky Sports about Lambiase’s arrival, Brown offered a remarkably confident assessment.
“I’m optimistic we’ll see him in papaya at some point next year," he said.
If that timeline holds, Lambiase could be embedded within McLaren well before the previously anticipated 2028 arrival, giving the reigning Constructors’ champions another major technical and sporting asset as they look to recoup their position at the front of Formula 1.
Lambiase’s value extends well beyond his radio exchanges with Verstappen. His years alongside the four-time world champion have seen him navigate countless strategic calls, tyre gambles and rapidly changing race situations, while also acting as one of the key voices in Red Bull’s operational decision-making on Sundays.
At McLaren, he will take on a broader remit as chief racing officer, working under team principal Andrea Stella. His arrival would also allow Stella to devote more attention to his overall leadership responsibilities rather than continuing to oversee the racing operation himself.
Brown sees McLaren gathering momentum
The timing could prove particularly significant for McLaren, which has endured a much more difficult 2026 campaign than its dominant previous season suggested might be the case.
Norris and Piastri have faced a tougher fight at the sharp end this year, although McLaren has gradually clawed back performance as the season has progressed. Brown believes the team has now turned an important corner.
“Very excited with everything that we’ve got going on at the factory," Brown added.
“The men and women have been doing a great job. We’ve made a lot of gains this year from what was a very tough start to the year, but I feel like we’re on top of things now.
“Drivers are driving great, and you know, exciting, exciting times.”
Read also: Marko hits back at Horner over explosive Verstappen claimAdding Lambiase to that mix sooner rather than later would only reinforce Brown’s optimism.
For a team intent on adding much more silverware to its trophy cabinet, getting one of Red Bull’s most experienced race operators through the door in 2027 could be a particularly valuable head start.
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