In an interview with the Talking Bull podcast, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase discusses the evolution of his relationship with Max Verstappen. Over the years, Lambiase and Verstappen have formed a highly successful partnership, achieving 52 race victories and three world titles.
Despite the occasional critical messages exchanged over the on-board radio, Verstappen and Lambiase share a deep understanding of each other, using their communication to motivate and sharpen their performances.
Reflecting on Verstappen’s early period at Red Bull, Lambiase recalls the challenges faced during the team’s initial dominance by Mercedes. He notes the frustration experienced by Verstappen when the car was not competitive enough to contend for the world championship in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
While acknowledging the ups and downs during that period, Lambiase emphasizes the solidification of their relationship in 2021. Verstappen also attributes the intense bond to the difficult years, highlighting the evolution of both his behavior and the relationship with Lambiase.
Their closeness is underscored by their ability to share harsh messages yet maintain perspective afterward. Verstappen describes their shared drive for perfection and the resulting discussions as a testament to their unwavering commitment to success.
Lambiase characterizes Verstappen as insatiable, mirroring his own relentless pursuit of perfection, driving them both to continually strive for excellence, regardless of their accomplishments.