Max Verstappen Handed Major F1 Title Boost Ahead of New Red Bull Car Unveiling

Max Verstappen has been handed a huge boost ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

Despite a late charge in 2025, Verstappen failed to defend his world championship.

The Dutchman crawled back a huge deficit to eventually finish second, just two points adrift of new champion Lando Norris.

Looking ahead to 2026, Verstappen will hope to reclaim the world title and will rely on Red Bull delivering a competitive car.

During the off-season, it was reported that Verstappen's long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, was considering leaving the team.

After last month's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lambiase said on Verstappen's team radio: “You can be proud of that mate, hold your head up high.”

Verstappen cryptically replied: "We showed them one final time who's boss.”

Lambiase was then linked with a move to Aston Martin, with the Silverstone-based outfit reportedly looking to lure him across by offering a senior role within the team.

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Gianpiero Lambiase has been linked with a move away from Red Bull. Image: Getty

Now, an update on Lambiase's future has been delivered.

According to Planet F1, Lambiase is set to stay on as Verstappen's race engineer for 2026, which will come as a huge boost for the Dutchman's chances of winning.

Red Bull and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls are set to unveil their 2026 cars next week during an event in Detroit.

What did Verstappen say about Lambiase after 2025?

Lambiase was visibly emotional after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Verstappen said: "It’s been an emotional year. Forget about the results this year and I don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough. But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate. Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend. We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements.

"I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag. So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him. I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good. A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times."