F1 News Today: Verstappen Urged to Keep Lambiase at Red Bull as Norris Discusses Huge $70 Million Deal

Formula 1 has produced another busy day of major headlines, with Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Lewis Hamilton and several leading teams all at the centre of important developments. From potential personnel moves and enormous driver contracts to technical upgrades and controversial FIA decisions, the championship continues to generate drama both on and off the track.

One of the biggest stories concerns Max Verstappen and his long-time race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. The four-time world champion has reportedly been advised to do everything possible to prevent Lambiase from leaving Red Bull and joining McLaren.

Verstappen recently ended speculation about his own future by agreeing to a major contract extension with Red Bull. The 28-year-old Dutch driver committed himself to the Milton Keynes-based team until the end of the 2030 season, making it clear that he intends to remain a central part of Red Bull’s long-term Formula 1 project.

However, Verstappen could still face a significant change within his immediate racing team. Lambiase, commonly known as “GP,” has worked closely with Verstappen for years and has become one of the most recognisable race engineers in Formula 1. Their radio conversations have often attracted attention because of their direct communication style and occasionally heated exchanges.

Despite those moments, the partnership has been remarkably successful. Lambiase has played an important role in Verstappen’s championship-winning campaigns, helping the Dutchman manage races, strategy decisions and changing conditions from the pit wall.

Reports now suggest that Lambiase could eventually move to McLaren, possibly by 2028. A leading Formula 1 insider believes Verstappen should use his influence at Red Bull to try to keep his trusted engineer with the team.

Losing such a familiar and experienced figure could be particularly important as Red Bull attempts to remain competitive under Formula 1’s new technical era. Verstappen’s relationship with Lambiase is based on years of trust, making any potential departure much more significant than a normal staff change.

While Verstappen’s new contract has attracted enormous attention, another Formula 1 star could soon benefit from the rapidly increasing value of elite drivers.

Reigning world champion Lando Norris is reportedly discussing a new McLaren contract that could be worth around $70 million. If an agreement is reached at that level, Norris could move ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the 2026 Formula 1 salary rankings.

The situation demonstrates how dramatically the market for leading drivers has changed. Verstappen’s enormous Red Bull extension appears to have established a new financial benchmark, encouraging other top drivers and their representatives to negotiate larger salaries.

Norris has become one of Formula 1’s most valuable competitors following his championship success and continued strong performances for McLaren. The British driver has developed into a central figure in the team’s long-term ambitions, so McLaren will naturally be eager to secure his services for the future.

A contract worth approximately $70 million would further confirm Norris’ status among the sport’s biggest stars. It would also show that McLaren is prepared to invest heavily to protect its position as one of Formula 1’s strongest teams.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton could receive a welcome performance boost as Ferrari prepares for its home Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Ferrari is expected to introduce an important power-unit upgrade for the race, potentially giving Hamilton additional performance as he attempts to reduce the gap in the drivers’ championship.

The seven-time world champion currently faces a difficult title challenge. Following his fourth-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Hamilton fell 59 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli.

At 41 years old, Hamilton remains determined to fight for another world championship, but Ferrari will need to improve if he is to close such a significant points deficit. The upcoming upgrade could therefore arrive at an ideal moment.

Monza is one of Ferrari’s most important races because of the passionate support of the Italian team’s fans. A stronger power unit would not only help Hamilton but could also improve Ferrari’s chances of producing a memorable result in front of its home crowd.

Another major technical story concerns the FIA and its controversial decision regarding Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities, better known as ADUO.

The system was introduced for the 2026 season to help reduce major differences between Formula 1’s power-unit manufacturers. Under the regulations, manufacturers whose engines are judged to be significantly behind their rivals can receive additional opportunities to improve their homologated power units.

However, the latest ruling has caused debate because Red Bull continues to be treated as the performance benchmark for Formula 1 engines.

The decision is important for Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda, Audi and Red Bull because extra development opportunities could have a major impact on the competitive order. In an era when power-unit performance is heavily influenced by new electrical technology, even relatively small advantages could affect championship results.

Hamilton has also been involved in another controversy following the Dutch Grand Prix.

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi criticised Hamilton for his public reaction to the team’s strategy at Zandvoort. Hamilton had expressed frustration during and after the race, believing Ferrari’s hesitant decision-making may have prevented him from securing a podium finish.

One particular issue concerned team-mate Charles Leclerc. Hamilton appeared unhappy that Ferrari did not immediately instruct Leclerc to allow him through when he felt he was the faster driver.

Hamilton eventually finished fourth, behind Mercedes driver George Russell, while Leclerc crossed the line in fifth place.

Alesi believes Hamilton went too far with his criticism and argued that Ferrari deserves greater respect. His comments have added another layer to the discussion surrounding Hamilton’s relationship with the Italian team as the championship enters a crucial stage.

Away from the racing itself, Kelly Piquet also attracted attention after discussing her affection for London.

The 37-year-old Brazilian-Dutch model and influencer, who is Verstappen’s partner and the mother of their daughter Lily, recently took part in The Standard’s “My London” feature.

Piquet, who is known for her love of travelling, described London as one of her favourite cities and jokingly shared ideas about how she might improve the British capital if she were in charge.

Finally, Aston Martin and Honda are continuing to search for progress after another difficult season.

Fernando Alonso managed to score points at the Dutch Grand Prix by finishing ninth, once again providing an important result for Aston Martin. The 45-year-old Spaniard secured his second and third points of the season after another impressive performance.

Honda’s current power unit has faced criticism because it has struggled to match the strongest engines on the grid. Nevertheless, recent updates from both Honda and Aston Martin have offered some encouragement.

A senior Honda figure has even spoken about the ambition of creating history with Alonso, although it remains uncertain when the team will be capable of regularly competing near the front.

With Verstappen securing his Red Bull future, Norris potentially negotiating a $70 million contract, Ferrari preparing upgrades for Hamilton and major technical battles continuing between manufacturers, Formula 1’s 2026 season remains full of fascinating storylines. The next few races could prove decisive not only for this year’s championship but also for the long-term direction of several of the sport’s biggest stars and teams.