Max Verstappen's Formula One future has been plunged into further doubt after it emerged his long-time race engineer will leave Red Bull for McLaren.
Gianpiero Lambiase, known as 'GP', will become chief racing officer with the reigning constructors' champions when his Red Bull contract expires in 2028 - although there is a possibility he could make the switch prior to then.
The British-Italian engineer has worked with Verstappen since the Dutchman joined Red Bull a decade ago.
McLaren said in a statement: "McLaren Racing is pleased to announce that Gianpiero Lambiase will join the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as chief racing officer, reporting into team principal Andrea Stella.
"The role of the chief racing officer already exists within the team's structure with overall leadership of the race team. These duties are currently managed by Andrea Stella in addition to his role as team principal.
"Lambiase is the latest hire designed to strengthen and support the talent pool that exists at McLaren Mastercard, while also reaffirming the team's long-term commitment to confirming its position as a Championship-winning team.
"The team look forward to welcoming Gianpiero Lambiase when his existing contract ends, no later than 2028."
The break-up of the Verstappen-Lambiase relationship, the strongest driver/race engineer partnership on the grid, raises significant question marks over the Dutchman's future, having hinted at the recent race in Japan that he is ready to walk away from the sport.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 but performance-related clauses would allow the four-time world champion to leave before then. Verstappen is ninth in the championship having scored just 12 points from the opening three races.
A Red Bull statement read: "Oracle Red Bull Racing confirms that Gianpiero Lambiase will leave the team in 2028, when his current contract expires. 'GP' is a valued member of the team, which he joined in 2015.
"Until his planned departure, 'GP' continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen. The team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together."
Verstappen, who has been deeply critical about the new regulations, said in Suzuka: "I am not even frustrated anymore. I am beyond that.
"I don't know the right word in English for it. I don't know what it is in Dutch either. I don't know what to make of it to be honest.
“There are probably no words. I don't get upset about it, and I don't get frustrated by it anymore with what is going on. There is a lot of stuff for me, personally, to figure out."
Pressed on what he meant, Verstappen added: "Life." Asked to elaborate further, Verstappen added: "Life here."
McLaren have won back-to-back constructors' titles during Stella's tenure. PA has been told that suggestions Lambiase will eventually replace Stella - a reported target for Ferrari - are significantly wide of the mark.
Lambiase's departure from Red Bull marks another senior figure to leave the British-based team. Christian Horner was sacked as team principal last year.
Design guru Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley left their posts prior to Horner's exit, while Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay traded Red Bull for McLaren to take up the positions of chief designer and sporting director, respectively, in recent seasons.
