Max Verstappen has been dominating and grabbing all the headlines in Formula 1 in 2023. However, a key element in all of this success is someone who we hear more and see less. It is Max Verstappen’s race engineer at Red Bull, Gianpiero Lambiase. The two have a fiery bond with each other, often visible on the Team Radios. Red Bull Boss Christian Horner even likened them to a married couple. Red Bull released the latest episode of their ‘Talking Bull’ Podcast. Both Gianpiero Lambiase and Max talked about a variety of topics.
“Ups and Downs”
Gianpiero Lambiase talked about the times when Max Verstappen wasn’t winning in Formula 1. He said, “But I think, perhaps until three years ago, I think perhaps ’18, ’19, ‘20 when the car wasn’t quite as competitive as we, the team, would have liked, but I think especially Max [would have liked] – because at that point, you could see his frustration coming through already that he wasn’t able to compete for championships at that point – and we had a few ups and downs, I would say in that period, the middle third, fourth, fifth years.”
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“A Little Brother”
Gianpiero Lambiase continued about Max Verstappen and talked about the iconic battle between Red Bull and Mercedes.
“But I think 2021 was so intense, I think… the relationship and the bond was cemented that year, and then last year and this year’s just been a continuation of that. And yeah, I see him as my little brother.”
“You Spend So Much Time Together”
Max Verstappen was very candid when asked about Gianpiero Lambiase, as he usually is. He mentioned how it’s natural to build a bond since they spend so much time together in Formula 1.
“You spend so much time together. I started at the team at 18 years old. I’m 26 now. So also I think as a person I’ve grown a lot. So when I look back at those kinds of images from the first few races I did with the team, I’m like ‘oh my God’. It’s very different. Also in my behaviour; I think it’s only natural that the connection, and just me also growing up more, I think that helps a lot in your relationship.”
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Despite their seemingly angry radio messages, their mutual respect and love are visible. Just like Christian Horner said, they are a married couple.
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