Max Verstappen says he already knows who he wants to replace long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase when the Briton eventually moves on.

Lambiase is set to leave the pitwall and join McLaren in a senior leadership role, with widespread speculation suggesting he could ultimately become either co-team principal alongside Andrea Stella or even Stella’s successor.

For now, however, the famous Verstappen-Lambiase partnership remains intact.

The four-time world champion admits the transition will be gradual.

Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen revealed he already has a preferred replacement in mind.

“I know who I want alongside me, and he’s already in the team,” he said in Monaco.

“His integration, however, will be gradual. It’s still too early.”

Verstappen acknowledged that, as Lambiase’s departure approaches, their working relationship will inevitably begin to change.

“Logically, towards the end of the season, the information shared with Gianpiero will be increasingly less,” he said.

“He’s aware of this and understands it.”

Replacing Lambiase will be one of the most important decisions Red Bull faces in the coming years, given the pair’s close relationship and enormous success together.

The partnership delivered four consecutive world championships and has become one of the most recognisable engineer-driver pairings in Formula 1 history.

Former Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko confirmed the team is already planning ahead.

“The replacement will be an experienced person who has already held a similar position,” the Austrian is quoted as saying.