Oct.6 (GMM) McLaren CEO Zak Brown hopes to bring Max Verstappen’s long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to Woking a year earlier than initially expected – as doubts emerge over the team’s latest aerodynamic upgrade.
McLaren has already confirmed Lambiase’s recruitment from Red Bull, with an arrival originally expected by 2028.
But Brown told Sky at Sepang that he is targeting a much earlier start.
“I’m optimistic that we’ll see him in papaya at some point next year,” he said.
Lambiase has worked alongside Verstappen since 2016 and will take up the newly created role of chief racing officer, reporting to team principal Andrea Stella.
The likely early move comes as McLaren faces questions over its competitiveness following a difficult weekend in Malaysia.
Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland that McLaren’s latest development package appears to have backfired, much like Mercedes’ substantial Sepang upgrade.
“The real shock for me is that McLaren has lost its way back to the top,” he said.
“The update is definitely a flop. I hope they are open enough to reverse it, because this is a huge problem.”
Brown, however, insisted that the atmosphere at McLaren remains positive.
“I’m very excited about everything we have running in the factory,” he said.
“We’ve made up a lot of ground this year after a very difficult start, but I feel like we’re more or less in control of things now.”
“There is still a lot of work to do.”
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience the thrill of the Canadian Grand Prix with Grand Prix Tours! Feel the excitement of Formula 1 as the world's best drivers battle it out on Montreal's iconic Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Explore the vibrant city, enjoy unforgettable race weekend experiences, and soak up the electric atmosphere. Make your Canadian Grand Prix getaway one to remember with our exclusive travel packages. Secure your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES