Overview
- Brown, speaking Friday on Sky Sports, confirmed talks with Red Bull about a possible earlier start for Gianpiero Lambiase but said McLaren will honor his current contract.
- He called claims that Lambiase is being lined up to replace team principal Andrea Stella “total nonsense” and accused rival teams of trying to stir distractions.
- McLaren says Lambiase will join as chief racing officer no later than 2028, a role designed to support Stella and focus on race-team leadership.
- Addressing driver gossip, Brown said McLaren is not pursuing Max Verstappen and remains committed to multi‑year deals with Norris and Piastri, even suggesting Mercedes as Verstappen’s likelier destination if he moves.
- The hire follows other senior Red Bull exits to McLaren, including Rob Marshall and Will Courtenay, and any early release for Lambiase would depend on Red Bull arranging cover before negotiations advance.