Lambiase: We can always rely on Max

Max Verstappen usually does not keep his emotions in check when he works on the track, and the first person who should listen to his complaints about the car’s behavior, the choice of tactics or the decisions of the stewards is Gianpiero Lambiase, his racing engineer.

Of course, over the years they have worked together at Red Bull Racing, they have achieved many excellent achievements – just think of four dozen pole positions and more than 60 victories. And last weekend in Las Vegas they celebrated Max winning his fourth championship title.

“Actually, this year was a lot like 2021, with things getting quite heated at times,” Lambiase told Sky Sports. – Of course the points reserve we built up at the beginning of the season helped us, but Max has taken another step forward, although many find that hard to believe.

He has put a lot of effort into working with us, with the team, and has also shown respect for his opponents, which, as you know, he does not have to do, but we have seen more than one example of that. However, he doesn’t have to win at every track and every weekend. I’m very proud of him.”

Lambiase and Verstappen have been working together since May 2016, when the Dutchman was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing – and immediately won his debut race as part of the championship team, which became a sensation. Their collaboration will continue into next season, although Lambiase will already serve as chief race engineer.

And this is what the 44-year-old Briton of Italian descent says about the way Verstappen vividly expresses his emotions during radio conversations with the team: “What you hear on the radio is not a typical reaction from Max, and he only expresses himself that way . under the influence of adrenaline.

Outside the circuit we communicate with him in a completely different way. Despite all his belligerence, he thoroughly absorbs all the information that we bring to his attention, and this is one of his significant advantages. We can always rely on him at the most critical moments, knowing that he will act correctly.”

Christian Horner, head of Red Bull Racing, also said that the effective partnership between Verstappen and Lambiase is an important part of success: “I just want to pay tribute to Gianpiero and his technical team; they have handled everything incredibly well this year. The season is not easy, there was literally a lot of work at every stage, but they tried very hard, and Max would not have become champion without the support that everyone working in the garage and at the team base offers him. .

Max also gets it from Gianpiero sometimes, he will not remain silent, but it is thanks to this relationship between the driver and his engineer and the team that we manage to achieve good results.”