It's a partnership that has returned four Formula 1 Drivers' Championship titles, 71 race victories and 127 podiums.
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase may be known for their squabbles like an old married couple, but the four-time F1 world champion and his race engineer have forged a prolific collaboration across the decade they've spent working with one another.
Lambiase has been the reassuring voice in Verstappen's ear through the peaks and troughs, and while many have questioned their confrontational dynamic over team radio, the Dutchman has consistently attributed Lambiase as a key reason behind his success.
In news that will have no doubt rocked the Verstappen camp, his long-term right-hand man will leave Red Bull in 2028 after agreeing to join McLaren.
Sky Sports News have reported Lambiase is set to take on the head of race engineering position, a role he currently holds at Red Bull, as McLaren strengthen their race operations staff to support team principal Andrea Stella.
Lambiase is one of several high-profile figures to depart Red Bull in recent years, and he is the third senior individual to make the switch to McLaren.
Will Courtenay became McLaren's sporting director in January this year after Rob Marshall joined the team as chief designer at the start of 2024, while chief technical officer Adrian Newey and sporting director Jonathan Wheatley have also left Red Bull in the last two years.
Helmut Marko, a close ally of Verstappen, officially left his advisory role over the winter, along with his chief mechanic Matt Caller.
The catalogue of departures have sparked speculation concerning Verstappen's long-term future at Red Bull.
Despite links to Mercedes last summer, the 28-year-old insisted he would remain with the Austrian drinks conglomerate for the 2026 season. Verstappen is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2028, but it's understood there are clauses in the deal which would enable him to leave if certain criteria are met.
What does Lambiase's departure mean for Verstappen's F1 future?
Lambiase's pending departure coincides with uncertainty surrounding Verstappen's future in F1, let alone Red Bull.
Verstappen said at the last race in Japan that he was considering his future in the sport following this year's regulation changes, citing a lack of enjoyment when driving the new cars.
In an uncompetitive Red Bull, Verstappen has finished no higher than sixth in a race this season, accruing just 12 points from visits to Australia, China and Japan.
Quizzed by BBC Sport on whether he'd consider walking away from F1 at the end of the season, Verstappen replied: "That's what I'm saying. I'm thinking about everything inside this paddock.
"Privately I'm very happy. You also wait for 24 races. This time it's 22. But normally 24. And then you just think about is it worth it? Or do I enjoy being more at home with my family? Seeing my friends more when you're not enjoying your sport?"
Rumours of Verstappen potentially leaving F1 have only heightened in light of his upcoming participation in the iconic Nurburgring 24 hours.
Verstappen has made no secret of his desire to contest other motorsport classifications and his burgeoning endurance career could lead to future appearances at other events, including the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans and other World Endurance Championship fixtures.
On top of this, Verstappen has also made comments on how he would leave Red Bull if Lambiase ever departed.
Speaking after claiming his maiden world championship in 2021, Verstappen told Ziggo Sport: "I have said to him I only work with him. As soon as he stops, I stop too.
"Of course, we can be pretty strict with each other sometimes, but I want that too. He has to tell me when I'm being a jerk and I have to tell him. I always told him that."
Is the door ajar for Verstappen to follow Lambiase and move to McLaren? Reigning world champion Lando Norris signed a multi-year deal in 2024, while Oscar Piastri is contracted until the end of the 2028 season. There's never previously been any prominent link to McLaren, with Mercedes fronting the queue to prise Verstappen for Red Bull.
A sabbatical may well be on the agenda for Verstappen. While the departure of Lambiase is a major development, his exit features in a long list of issues and grievances which could culminate in the four-time world champion taking a step back from the sport.
