'Verstappen future not affected by ally's departure'

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase have worked together ever since the Dutchman joined Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix [Getty Images] Max Verstappen's decision on his future in Formula 1 will not be affected by the impending departure of his close ally at Red Bull Gianpiero Lambiase, says team principal Laurent Mekies. Lambiase, Verstappen's race engineer since the Dutchman joined the team in May 2016, is leaving to become McLaren's chief racing officer by 2028 at the latest. Mekies said Lambiase's departure was "absolutely not" a factor into Verstappen's thinking about whether to stay in F1 amid his dissatisfaction with the behaviour of the new engines introduced this year.

Mekies said: "Obviously, we speak with Max every day. And Max knows motorsport upside down. "He's living and breathing this team.

He knows most of these guys. He understands very well the dynamics that can happen. "The team has been extremely successful and you can't promote everyone.

And some people make some decisions. " Will rule changes make noticeable difference in Miami? F1 Q&A How to follow Miami Grand Prix on the BBC Verstappen has made it clear that he is unhappy about the way the new hybrid engines, and their near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, have affected the driving experience.