Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, has commended the race engineer, Gianpiero ‘GP’ Lambiase, for successfully managing Max Verstappen’s demanding nature during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa. The dynamic between Verstappen and Lambiase came into focus as the Dutch driver expressed his frustration and sarcasm over the team radio during the race.
At various points during the race, Verstappen inquired about his teammate Sergio Perez’s strategy while leading, made sarcastic remarks in response to tire and weather inquiries, and even suggested an additional pit stop solely for the mechanics’ practice, an idea that was turned down.
This came on the heels of Verstappen’s outburst against the team’s qualifying strategy, where he narrowly made it into Q3 before securing pole position.
Christian Horner, however, defended the relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase, stating that the two have been working together since Verstappen’s debut race. Horner emphasized that Verstappen is a demanding driver, requiring a strong and resilient character like GP to handle him effectively.
“GP, he’s our Jason Statham equivalent, they certainly look alike, and he deals with him firmly but fairly,” Horner explained. He highlighted the mutual trust and respect that has developed between the driver and engineer over the years, a crucial element in their successful partnership.
The Red Bull team principal acknowledged that Verstappen’s communication with Lambiase happens in a public arena, with millions of fans listening in, making it more challenging to manage any moments of frustration. However, Horner praised GP’s ability to handle the pressure and maintain a strong bond with Verstappen, highlighting that they share a great trust in each other.
While Verstappen’s demanding nature may be a challenge for many, Horner emphasized that both Verstappen and Lambiase are not ones to hold grudges and can quickly move on from any tense moments.
In conclusion, the relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase serves as a testament to the importance of a strong partnership and mutual respect between a driver and their engineer. As the Red Bull team continues to compete for championship glory, this dynamic will undoubtedly play a significant role in their success on the track.
