During the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Max Verstappen engaged in a snippy radio exchange with his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, which caught the attention of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Verstappen, who displayed a dominant performance from his sixth-place grid slot to take the lead, was in a position of authority over his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Perez. Such was his confidence that the reigning World Champion even suggested making an extra pit-stop just for the challenge.
Lambiase, however, cautioned Verstappen about his tire degradation, prompting the Dutch driver to respond cheekily, “I could also push on and we do another stop? A little bit of pit stop training.”
Lambiase firmly declined the idea, stating, “No. Not this time.”
After the race, Verstappen shed some light on the nature of his radio messages, acknowledging that they were semi-serious in meaning. He explained that while the team might not be keen on additional pit-stops, he enjoys mentioning the possibility to make them a bit nervous.
The playful banter and familiarity between Verstappen and his race engineer were evident, with the driver expressing satisfaction in hearing the response, “No, no, we are not doing that today.” Verstappen emphasized that he shares a strong bond with Lambiase, and they have a very good working relationship.
Toto Wolff, who was likely listening to the radio communications, weighed in on the matter, finding Verstappen’s messages “cheeky” and adding a touch of humor to the on-track rivalry between Mercedes and Red Bull.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more such interactions as the competition between the two teams intensifies. Verstappen’s ability to both dominate on the track and engage in lighthearted exchanges with his team showcases his confidence and enjoyment in the sport. The dynamic between driver and engineer remains a crucial aspect of F1 racing, fostering a strong partnership that can lead to successful performances on race day.
