Red Bull Could Make Major Team Change as News Drops Hours After Abu Dhabi GP

Red Bull Racing could reportedly make a major change to their team following the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season.

On Sunday afternoon, Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris as the title race went down to the wire.

However, the Dutchman's reign as F1 world champion came to an end as Norris did just enough to seal his maiden title.

The 26-year-old became the 35th different driver to win the F1 world title as he finished the season two points ahead of Verstappen, with Piastri a further 11 points adrift.

Although Verstappen saw his grasp on the world championship trophy slip away, the 28-year-old seemed content with his campaign.

Speaking immediately after taking the chequered flag, Verstappen said on his team radio: "Don't be too disappointed, I certainly am not. We can be proud of our comeback. Thanks everyone, including Honda for the past few years. We closed it out in style."

Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Image: Getty

Hours after the Grand Prix, it was reported that Red Bull could make a major change to Verstappen's team.

According to Motorsport, the Dutchman's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase's role for next year is not yet fixed.

It has been stated that the uncertainty surrounding Lambiase's future is due to private circumstances and Red Bull are set to discuss the issue over the winter break.

The report added: "Should the team find a suitable race engineer for Verstappen and a structure that all parties are comfortable with, Lambiase could potentially step back from his race engineering duties and continue at Red Bull in a more senior position - reportedly still trackside."

It has been claimed that 'team insiders emphasise that no decision has been made, and that given the situation, it may not be wise to make any quick choices during this difficult period'.

Could Gianpiero Lambiase be in a different role next season? Image: Getty

What did Verstappen say about Lambiase after the Abu Dhabi GP?

Lambiase was visibly emotional after the race 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."