Max Verstappen’s Engineer GP Exposes Dutchman’s ‘Biggest Limitation’ in F1

Race engineer Gianpiero 'GP' Lambiase outlined the one limitation in Max Verstappen's F1 career.

Max Verstappen’s Engineer GP Exposes Dutchman’s ‘Biggest Limitation’ in F1

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via IMAGO)

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Max Verstappen and his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase have a strong relationship. The two have been working together at Red Bull for a long time now, and have achieved incredible success in Formula 1. Though, there are times when they find themselves at odds with each other. Now, GP has revealed the one thing he might want the reigning world champion to change.

Over the years, Max Verstappen has won four consecutive world titles in Formula 1. Throughout this period, it was GP giving instructions to the Dutchman from the Red Bull pitwall. Fans have noticed that often Verstappen would be reluctant to change plans even after being told by Red Bull. As the Dutch driver tries to go ahead with what he thinks would be the best option.

GP pointed out that this stubbornness was the biggest limitation for Max Verstappen in F1. He insisted that this makes it difficult to make Verstappen understand why he needs to do what is being said by Red Bull. So much so, Gianpiero Lambiase confesses that he tries to put himself in the Dutchman’s place and then give appropriate explanations.

Verstappen’s biggest limitation is stubbornness. He knows best and that is an engineering challenge to try and get yourself under his skin and into his head.

Gianpiero Lambiase said on Behind the Charge

However, Gianpiero Lambiase has learnt one thing about Max Verstappen. While on the surface, the reigning world champion might simply discard a suggestion, he’s actually thinking through it in his mind. Thus, even if Verstappen refuses an order at first, he will go and do it if he thinks it is the right call.

I’ve come to accept that even if at the time he refuses to take in your recommendation, actually he is absorbing it like a sponge and he won’t admit it but he will then go and do what you’ve asked.

Gianpiero Lambiase added

Max Verstappen and Red Bull on the same page for 2026

The past few months have been nothing short of chaos at Red Bull. There had been rumors that Max Verstappen was looking to leave the team following a steep decline in performance. So much so, Mercedes was already believed to have poached the Dutch driver. Moreover, team boss Christian Horner was sacked by Milton Keynes. Now, after Verstappen confirmed that he will race for Red Bull next year, GP has clarified that things are still on-track.

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Lambiase asserted that Red Bull was aware of Max Verstappen’s demands when it came to the car for next season. On the other hand, Verstappen knew what he needed to do, be it over performance or providing feedback during the car development. This becomes even more crucial for 2026 due to the massive technical shake-up.

The team understands what he needs to get the best out of the car. He understands what the team needs in terms of feedback and what he needs to provide for the development of the car. Not only for the current car but for future years. That is going to be critical with the change in regulations for next year as well.

Gianpiero Lambiase explained

GP is likely the one person who knows exactly what’s going on in Max Verstappen’s mind. After working together for so many years, the two have one of the strongest bonds when it comes to a driver-engineer pairing, and the results are there to see. Fans are relieved to have the pair continue together at Red Bull next year. However, Verstappen and Lambiase would be hoping to have a much stronger run in 2026 compared to this year’s struggles.

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