Why a Ferrari return makes perfect sense for Stella - and why it's a risk

The morning’s news surrounding Gianpiero Lambiase, who is set to leave Red Bull at the end of 2027 to join McLaren in what would mark a major step in his career, has naturally triggered a domino effect of reactions and potential moves that could unfold from here on out.

Should the Brit really step into the role of McLaren team principal from 2028, it would leave the current boss, Andrea Stella, in need of a new destination - with the Italian being tipped for a move to Ferrari as a potential replacement for Frederic Vasseur in what would be a sensational return.

The Italian was a key figure during Ferrari’s golden era in Formula 1, having joined the team in 2000 and working as performance engineer to Michael Schumacher from 2002 to 2006, before moving on to Kimi Raikkonen between 2007 and 2008, collecting an impressive haul of titles along the way.

Stella then partnered Fernando Alonso as race engineer from 2010 to 2014, before leaving Ferrari the following year and embarking on a long stint at McLaren. That journey ultimately led him to the role of team principal in 2023, guiding the team to its last two constructors’ titles and playing a central role in its resurgence.

As outlined, the Italian has been one of the key architects - alongside Zak Brown and Rob Marshall - behind McLaren’s revival, with the Woking-based team having gone without a title since 2008 and slipping down the order over the years, particularly during the failed reunion with Honda.

Stella therefore knows he is currently in a strong position, within a well-structured and proven team, and walking away to join another outfit could prove more of a step backwards than a move forward.

That said, the pull of home and his roots - combined with the enduring allure of a team like Ferrari, despite its long title drought in Formula 1 - remains a factor that cannot be overlooked for someone who spent more than half of his career in Maranello.

On the other hand, Ferrari would be bringing back one of its own trusted figures - someone who also speaks the language, a key factor for a team like the Maranello outfit.

Clearly, it is still far too early to make firm assessments or draw any conclusions, especially given that the sport is only at the start of a new regulatory era, with the competitive order potentially looking very different by 2028.

Among the leading contenders to replace Lambiase at Red Bull, Simon Rennie appears the most straightforward internal solution. He has already filled in on multiple occasions, building familiarity with Verstappen and the dynamics of the garage.

Another option within the team is Hugh Bird. The Brit previously worked closely with Verstappen, having served as his performance engineer during the 2018 season, giving him valuable insight into the Dutchman’s working style.

If Red Bull were to look beyond its current structure, Riccardo Adami could emerge as an interesting candidate. A highly experienced figure, Adami spent years as Vettel’s race engineer at Ferrari before moving on to work with Hamilton, although that partnership ultimately fell short of expectations and ended earlier this year.