Red Bull urged to act amid staff exits
Former Formula 1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Karun Chandhok has called on Red Bull to secure a major high-profile signing, warning that the team risks losing more key personnel following a wave of exits from its technical ranks. One of the latest departures includes Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase, who is set to leave the Milton Keynes outfit for a senior role at McLaren by 2028.
Key Points:
- Race engineer Gianpiero “GP” Lambiase set to leave Red Bull for a senior McLaren role by 2028
- Karun Chandhok warns Red Bull may need a “big name signing” to prevent further staff exits and rebuild stability
- Chandhok stresses that influential figures can trigger wider staff movement, citing Newey and Brawn as past examples
- Red Bull struggling in 2026, sitting 6th in constructors’ standings after three rounds with 16 points
“Good people attract good people”
Chandhok stressed that Red Bull must act quickly to protect its technical core and remain competitive in attracting top talent. He pointed out that successful individuals often influence wider staff movement within F1 teams, suggesting a potential chain reaction if key figures continue to leave.
“Good people attract other good people,” Chandhok explained, highlighting how one senior departure could lead others to follow. He referenced past examples in the sport, such as Adrian Newey and Ross Brawn, noting how both engineers historically brought entire groups of staff with them when switching teams.
Need for a marquee signing
Chandhok argued that Red Bull’s priority should not only be technical capability but also reputation and influence within the paddock. A “big name signing,” he said, would help stabilise the team while also attracting talent from rival outfits such as Mercedes, who have started the 2026 season strongly. He added that with Mercedes currently leading the field, they are naturally becoming the most attractive destination for engineers and staff.
Concerns over internal stability
Chandhok also warned that without intervention, Red Bull could see its engineering group gradually break apart if influential figures begin encouraging colleagues to move elsewhere. He suggested that even informal conversations within the paddock could accelerate departures if confidence within the team weakens.
Struggling start to 2026
Beyond personnel changes, Red Bull has also endured a difficult start to the 2026 season. After the opening three rounds, the team sits sixth in the constructors’ standings with just 16 points, adding further pressure to address both performance and stability concerns.
