Max Verstappen is notorious for his radio bust-ups with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase. However, given the three-time world champion’s temperamental characteristics, Lambiase fears the day when Red Bull’s dominance will finally come to an end.
This season alone, Verstappen has, on countless occasions, exchanged x-rated and angry rants with Lambiase. Picking on this, the Briton joked on the Talking Bulls podcast saying, “Well, my biggest fear is the moment when we will face more opposition, that we will no longer win every race, because if you already see how Max treats me. I’m really not looking forward to that day!”
“Because I’m pressing it 50 times before it opens!” 😡
All of Max Verstappen’s angry team radio during his DRS issues in Spain 🔧 pic.twitter.com/JlmwROojsI
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) May 22, 2022
Jokes aside, Lambiase was quick to also highlight the path the duo have taken to the very zenith of this sport. He has been with Verstappen ever since the latter made his debut with the Milton-Keynes-based team. He emphasized on how they’ve grown together, season after season.
Red Bull’s team principal paid probably the best ode to their relationship when he told GPBlog.com, “The relationship they have is more like an old married couple, almost debating about which channel of television they should be watching.”
Lambiase’s biggest fears lurk as Max Verstappen dominance sees imminent threat
While on the podcast, Lambiase joked about the Bulls’ dominant streak coming to an end. In reality, it is possible that they do fall from grace very soon. McLaren has already clawed back a huge chunk of performance to the Bulls in 2023.
Naturally, in 2024, the Woking-based team with Lando Norris at the helm seems like the most likely candidate to dethrone Verstappen. The entire Papaya army is expecting a championship fight next year. The way that the MCL60 has been developed this year, that isn’t a far-fetched dream either.
Lando Norris is very pleased with the progress at #McLaren this year, and believes there is “plenty more to come” in 2024 👀
“We know we still have plenty more things to come next year. So I’m excited.”
[via: @lastwordonsport]#F1 #Formula1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/cdZvGRWbwD
— McLaren F1 Updates 🏴🇦🇺 (@TheMcLarenZone) November 7, 2023
However, it is understandable why Lambiase dreads the day Red Bull stops having the strongest car on the grid. Verstappen has displayed his undying thirst for success on many occasions. With such drive and determination, the three-time champion is often liable to lose his cool when things don’t go his way.
While Lambiase would have been joking about that eventuality, in the off season, the duo will be sure to regroup and devise a plan to thwart any opposition next year.
