Gianpiero Lambiase, known as 'GP', will become chief racing officer with the reigning constructors' champions when his Red Bull contract expires in 2028 – although there is a possibility he could make the switch before then.
The British-Italian engineer has worked with Verstappen since the Dutchman joined Red Bull a decade ago, and his signing for a team featuring world champ Lando Norris and Australian star Oscar Piastri looks a real coup for McLaren.
The break-up of the Verstappen-Lambiase relationship, the strongest driver/race engineer partnership on the grid, raises significant question marks over the Dutchman's future, having hinted at the recent race in Japan that he is ready to walk away from the sport.
Verstappen's contract with Red Bull runs until 2028 but performance-related clauses would allow the four-time world champion to leave before then.
Verstappen is ninth in the championship having scored just 12 points from the opening three races.
A Red Bull statement said "GP is a valued member of the team, which he joined in 2015.
"Until his planned departure, 'GP' continues in his roles as Head of Racing and as Race Engineer to Max Verstappen. The team and he are fully committed to add more success to our strong track record together."
Verstappen, who has been deeply critical about the new regulations, said in Suzuka: "I am not even frustrated anymore. I am beyond that ... there is a lot of stuff for me, personally, to figure out."
Pressed on what he meant, Verstappen added: "Life." Asked to elaborate further, Verstappen added: "Life here."
19°C