Max Verstappen is not an easy driver to deal with during an F1 race. The Dutchman is extremely demanding and often loses his temper due to incidents out on the track or because he is not happy with how the car feels. However, if there is someone in F1 who can handle Verstappen’s temper, it is his race engineer.
The calm voice which we hear talking to Verstappen during the race is of none other than Gianpiero Lambiase. The British-Italian engineer has been a part of Red Bull racing for a long time and has been Verstappen’s point of contact during races throughout his time with the Milton-Keynes-based outfit.
Lambiase, who worked at Force India until 2014, moved to Red Bull in 2015 to become the race engineer for Daniil Kvyat. When the Russian driver was replaced by Verstappen midway into 2016 season, Lambiase retained his position and went on the develop a close relationship with the Dutchman.
Gianpiero Lambiase- The calm voice in Max Verstappen’s ear
Verstappen has often spoken about how important he considers Lambiase to be in his F1 journey. At the moment, he can’t imagine driving in the sport without having the calming voice of Lambiase in his ears.
In fact, he also described his relationship with Lambiase as a ‘marriage’ as reported by Racing News 365. Sometimes, they scream and shout at each other, but in the end, can’t stay away!
Gianpiero Lambiase to Helmut Marko, after he heard Max never wants to work with another Engineer.. 😅#F1 #MaxVerstappen #GivesYouWings pic.twitter.com/EeTLg0Ggoe
— Racing (Commentary) (@Racingnews2015) December 22, 2021
F1 fans have noticed just how straightforward and clear Lambiase is with his communication during the races, even when there is a lot of pressure on him and Verstappen. Ahead of the start of the 2022 season, he became the Head of Race Engineering at Red Bull, but because of his close bond and understanding with Verstappen, he continued as the 25-year-old’s race engineer.
Together, Lambiase and Verstappen have won two drivers’ championships, as the Dutchman fights for his third in 2023.
Max Verstappen overcomes the odds in Miami
Verstappen suffered misfortune in qualifying in Miami, after Charles Leclerc’s crash prevented him from improving on his ninth place finish. Starting from P9, it was going to be difficult for the two-time champion to find his way to the top. Well, that’s what we thought.
An impressive strategy put forward by Red Bull ensured that the Dutch driver got the better of Sergio Perez with nine laps to go. After a commendable defensive effort by Perez, Verstappen finally went past him to cross the finish line in first, to extend his lead in the world championship standings.
Out of five races so far this season, Verstappen has won three, with his teammate Perez winning two.
