SUMMARY
- Max Verstappen openly acknowledges a strong bond with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, despite occasional heated debates over radio issues.
- Even with his success, Verstappen acknowledges that his skills continue to develop.
Despite the sporadic issues that plague their relationship, Max Verstappen freely admits to the strong connection he has with his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. Throughout his time at Red Bull, the Dutchman had a reputation for being aggressive on the radio over the various issues that occur throughout races, especially when criticizing Lambiase.
Lambiase urged Verstappen to “use your head a bit more” during the Belgian Grand Prix earlier in the year after the driver disobeyed orders on tire management. During the prelude during the Qatar Grand Prix, there was a heated debate filled with profanity, in which Lambiase emphasized that there was still more to learn for the driver.
Gianpiero Lambiase explains his complicated relationship with the Dutchman
The 26-year-old driver considers Lambiase to have a “strong character” and adores their friendship. Despite his success, Verstappen underscores the continuous process that nurtures his talents and believes there is always space for growth. It has to be noted that regardless of any such internal issues, the Red Bull driver went on to win his third consecutive championship title this year.
Max Verstappen came across a lizard during the first practice session ahead of this weekend’s Singapore GP 🦎
🗣️ Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase’s response to the radio message: “Okay understood. Maybe Godzilla had a kid!”
— All Sportz 🏀⚽ (@Allsportztv) September 15, 2023
However, when questioned about the nature of his relationship with Verstappen, the engineer said, “We never have arguments. Sometimes, it takes more than one or two hours after a race for us to reconnect. There are also moments when I think: ‘I could have communicated that better’. Max probably feels the same. We may have different opinions, but in the evening or the next day, it’s always okay.”
Though they have an amicable relationship, Verstappen and Lambiase continue to have arguments occasionally during race weekends. The race engineer thinks humorously about all the challenges that may arise from competing against tougher opponents, picturing situations in which tensions can increase. Nevertheless, the duo can juggle their way through the issues.
Max Verstappen explains the heated talks with his F1 race engineer
Red Bull and Verstappen have had incredible success in recent years, proving their continuous domination and command over the ground effect restrictions. On the other hand, the garage occasionally gets heated up due to the unrest caused by their star driver with his engineer, Lambiase.
Do you think Max Verstappen could continue in F1 without his trusty race engineer by his side? 🤔#Verstappen #Lambiase #RedBull #F1 #Formula1 pic.twitter.com/xgbenMR430
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) December 13, 2023
After a continuous to and fro between the two on the matter, Max Verstappen finally replied to the doubts that arose from the tense situation. He said, “Yeah, you just need a bit of fire. That’s how I like to operate…But that’s our relationship. We are very straightforward and if we don’t like something we of course communicate. It’s also a bit F1’s fault because they broadcast everything just to throw it out there.”
Although others might characterize their conversations as “rude” or “aggressive,” the 2023 world champion made it clear that these intense exchanges aided in improving his performance on the track.