Max Verstappen set for major change at Austrian Grand Prix that has never happened in his career

Max Verstappen has been forced to make a huge change for the first time of his career ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Following a brief one week break, the 2025 Formula One season returns this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.

Going into the race, all eyes will be on reigning champion Verstappen, who could be handed a one-race ban should he receive any penalty points over the weekend.

The Red Bull star will be hoping that he can put any worries of a penalty behind him and push for his third race win of the season, as he looks to continue to apply pressure to McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

However, for the first time in his career, the Dutchman has been forced to make a radical change to his typical race weekend setup, as he will be without someone who he has relied on for years.

Max Verstappen will be without Gianpiero Lambiase in Austria. (Image: Getty)

According to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Verstappen will have to drive in Austria without race engineer and right-hand man Gianpiero Lambiase (GP), who is set to miss the race weekend due to personal circumstances

Lambiase, who has been Verstappen's engineer since 2016, will be replaced by Simon Rennie, a British engineer who previously worked with Daniel Ricciardo for several years.

Although Rennie is by no means a massive downgrade, the change will certainly feel like a blow to Verstappen due to the close relationship with Lambiase, who he consults regularly during a session on the on-board radio.

It is expected that Lambiase will be ready and available for the highly-anticipated British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend.

Max Verstappen last won the Austrian Grand Prix in July 2023. (Image: Getty)

But a new race engineer isn't the only change that Verstappen will be brining to Austria, as the defending champion will drive an upgraded car for his team's home race this weekend.

These upgrades come at a perfect time, as the Red Bill ring is somewhat of a favourite for Verstappen, who has won the race five times throughout his career.

The Red Bull cars will again receive upgrades next week at Silverstone, after which it is believed that the team will evaluate their position in both championship tables before deciding if they will move their focus to the 2026 car.