Purple Bull boss Laurent Mekies has reacted to the “as soon as in a lifetime” alternative for Gianpiero Lambiase to affix McLaren for the 2028 System 1 season.
Lambiase is ready to develop into the chief racing officer on the reigning championship-winning outfit, the place he’ll help staff principal Andrea Stella in a trackside function.
It’s going to subsequently mark an finish to his time at Purple Bull, having been with the Austrian outfit since 2015 and most notably served as Max Verstappen’s race engineer because the Dutchman joined in 2016.
Collectively they’ve received 4 world titles, alongside two constructors’ championships for Purple Bull, whereas in 2025 Lambiase additionally adopted the pinnacle of racing function following Jonathan Wheatley’s transfer to Sauber.
Mekies advised Sky Sports activities: “He has had a rare alternative. We respect the truth that this chance comes as soon as in a lifetime.
“As a lot because it has been information for you guys, it’s one thing we’ve got been discussing with him for a really very long time and we solely want him nicely in that subsequent section.
“We are going to, when the time comes, be certain that we flip that into a possibility for our folks and for the ability set we need to have.”
Max Verstappen, Purple Bull Racing, Laurent Mekies, Purple Bull Racing Workforce Principal
Photograph by: Zak Mauger / LAT Photographs by way of Getty Photographs
Mekies just isn’t the one Purple Bull member to have publicly wished the 45-year-old nicely for his subsequent transfer, as Verstappen lately mentioned he would have been “silly to not take it”.
“It’s an unbelievable alternative for him, not simply when it comes to the function but additionally for his future. You must take into consideration your loved ones and long-term safety as nicely,” Verstappen, whose personal future at Purple Bull is beneath query together with his contract expiring in 2028, advised Viaplay.
“He advised me he needed to listen to it from me, I mentioned ‘100% you must simply go for it’. We’ve already achieved every little thing collectively and greater than as soon as. We’ve received lots, that received’t change.
“We’re each nonetheless younger. You by no means know what occurs sooner or later; perhaps we’ll work collectively once more. We’ll be associates for all times. Everybody has their very own objectives and ambitions, you may’t maintain somebody again. Ultimately, all people must develop.”
Lambiase will develop into the third Purple Bull workers member to have been poached by McLaren: Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay respectively joined as chief designer and sporting director.
Learn Additionally:
We wish your opinion!
What would you wish to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Workforce
