Verstappen’s Race Engineer Reflects on Their Championship-Winning Partnership
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Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase (GP), has opened up about their long-standing partnership, highlighting the Dutchman’s growth, on-track prowess, and their unique bond in the wake of Verstappen clinching his fourth drivers’ championship in Las Vegas.
“I’m Really Proud of Him”
Lambiase, who has worked alongside Verstappen since his Red Bull debut in 2016, shared his pride in the champion’s development. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, he emphasized Verstappen’s ability to elevate his performance: “The effort he is putting in with all us guys, and the respect he’s starting to give other drivers… He doesn’t have to win every single thing every single weekend, but he keeps stepping up.”
Despite Verstappen’s fiery in-race radio messages, Lambiase noted that these are a reflection of adrenaline rather than his true character. He praised Verstappen’s ability to absorb critical information under pressure: “As much as he has this bravado, he will absorb every piece of information… That’s his real strength. We can always rely on him to do the right thing in the heat of the moment.”
The Relationship That Powers Success
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner also paid tribute to the special bond between Verstappen and Lambiase, crediting their relationship as the foundation of much of Verstappen’s success. “GP takes a bit of flack on occasion, but he gives as good as he gets. It is that relationship between driver, engineer, and team that enables you to achieve these kinds of results.”
In a challenging 2024 season, where Verstappen didn’t always have the fastest car, Lambiase’s guidance was crucial. Horner highlighted the engineering team’s role in adapting and delivering week after week: “I want to pay credit to GP and his team… [Verstappen] couldn’t do it without the support he’s had within the garage, the team, and the factory.”
Continuing the Journey
With Lambiase set to take on a new role as Head of Racing in 2025, he confirmed that he will maintain his race-day responsibilities with Verstappen. Their enduring partnership is expected to remain a cornerstone of Red Bull’s strategy as they aim to build on their 2024 success.
Lambiase and Verstappen’s relationship epitomizes the synergy required to dominate in Formula 1, blending sharp engineering expertise with a driver capable of consistently delivering under pressure. Their bond looks set to steer Red Bull to further glory in seasons to come.
