Verstappen to miss Lambiase for three Grands Prix after emotional Singapore win

Lambiase will still be at the circuit during those race weekends, but will focus on his duties as Head of Racing. Hart will take over as Verstappen’s race engineer, a role Lambiase has held since the Dutchman joined Red Bull. For the Dutchman, the change means he will get to work with Lambiase’s intended successor ahead of time. Hart knows the four-time world champion well: he worked closely with him for years as his performance engineer.

This does not mean Verstappen and his trusted race engineer have parted ways for good: the two can still work together in Mexico and during the final stages of the season.

Earlier this year, Hart appeared to be on his way to Williams, where he was set to become Alex Albon’s race engineer. However, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies stepped in to keep him at the team. Hart is now poised to move up within the team. The Briton also already has experience communicating with Verstappen over the team radio.

Last season, Hart replaced Lambiase several times when he was absent for personal reasons. He also took over his duties during a practice session at Monza. With three full race weekends, Hart will now have another opportunity to gain experience as Verstappen’s race engineer.

For now, this is not a permanent change: at the Grands Prix in Mexico, Qatar and Abu Dhabi (or Imola if those Grands Prix are cancelled), Lambiase may resume his usual duties over the team radio. Red Bull has also found a successor for Lambiase in his other role. Tom McCullough will join from Aston Martin and take over as Head of Racing in 2027.

The Singapore victory was a special one for Verstappen and Lambiase. The Dutchman won there for the first time, but had to do so with a malfunctioning radio. Although the pair will not work together in the usual way at three upcoming race weekends, Singapore may not have been their last victory together.

Mekies stressed afterwards that the problems were entirely Red Bull’s responsibility. He was pleased with the way Verstappen and Lambiase adapted to the situation. After the win, Lambiase went onto the podium on Red Bull’s behalf to collect the trophy for the winning constructor.

It is not yet clear when Lambiase will officially leave Red Bull. McLaren announced in April that he would join as Chief Racing Officer no later than 2028. In that role, he will report to team principal Andrea Stella. McLaren CEO Zak Brown hopes to welcome him sooner. A definitive start date has not yet been announced.