'The story behind how Red Bull Racing's F1 empire crumbled'

News of Lambiase's departure follows similar exits from the Milton Keynes team over the last two years, with the likes of Adrian Newey, Christian Horner, and Helmut Marko just a few of the high-profile figures to leave Red Bull.

Lambiase is regarded as being a main pillar of Verstappen's F1 life, a trusted confidant alongside Marko and his father Jos, with speculation now rife that the four-time world champion will be next to leave the team.

There has even been the suggestion that McLaren could look to add Verstappen to their ranks alongside his race engineer, but that begs the question of who would make way: Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris?

The death of Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz in 2022 is said to be a pivotal moment with regard to where the team finds itself now.

While Mateschitz granted day-to-day autonomy to Horner and Marko, an ensuing rush for control with the Thai ownership was portrayed in the media as his 49 percent shareholding passed to his son, Mark.

Having already lost Chief Engineering Officer Rob Marshall to McLaren, Sporting Director Jonathan Wheatley and legendary designer Adrian Newey were among the first high-profile figures to leave the team.

Then, in July 2025, after 20 years in charge, Team Principal and CEO Horner was dismissed from Red Bull, a seismic moment in the team's history.

Horner is now free to return to F1 after the end of his gardening leave on Thursday, but where he could end up is still unknown. Options are limited for the Briton.

At the end of the 2026 season, Marko then departed, the 82-year-old is credited with having brought through the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Verstappen, although is still in contact with many members of the team, according to Laurent Mekies.