Max Verstappen’s engineer GP reveals ‘brother-like’ bond with the reigning F1 champion

Formula 1 drivers constantly communicate with their race engineers from the cockpit during any session. This creates a deep bond between the two. Hence, Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase are one of the strongest driver-engineer pairings. The duo has been working together for the past seven years in Formula 1. As a result, both of them share a deep bond with each other apart from their professional life.

Gianpiero Lambiase shared his thoughts on his relationship with Max Verstappen. Lambiase asserted that he saw the Dutchman as his younger brother and not a colleague. Additionally, GP explained that the two were very comfortable with each other. The duo felt completely relaxed and could discuss anything apart from work-related stuff according to Lambiase.

I honestly see Max as a younger brother, We can talk about anything and anyone at any time. We’re at the point where we just felt completely relaxed and at ease with each other.

Lambiase told the BBC

Moreover, Lambiase was not hesitant to declare that he wouldn’t enjoy working with any other driver in the future. Diving deeper into it, GP explained that he had the honor to work alongside one of the greatest talents in the sport. Hence, according to the Briton, it wouldn’t be fair on the new driver if he tried to replicate what he had with Verstappen.

I don’t think I would have any interest in working with another driver now... I don’t think it would be fair on another driver, from their perspective or mine, to try and replicate what we have achieved with Max.

Lambiase noted.

Gianpiero Lambiase claims Max Verstappen wouldn’t have respected him without experience

Gianpiero Lambiase has been in Formula 1 for quite a while now as he has worked with multiple teams. Additionally, Verstappen was a newbie when he was shifted to Red Bull racing mid-2016 season. Hence, the team had a mountainous task to mold Verstappen according to Milton Keynes. Lambiase reflected on the time when the Dutchman joined the constructor. GP’s experience helped him work better with the then-17-year-old in Formula 1.

I had experience working with multiple drivers before Max, and that was one of the biggest helps in terms of hitting the ground running with him.

Lambiase said.

However, Lambiase mentioned that if there were a junior engineer in his role, Verstappen wouldn’t have been the sensation that he is today. The sole reason for this would be that the Dutchman might not have respected a junior engineer much Hence, the partnership between GP and Verstappen rose to succession quickly as the latter won his debut race for Red Bull.

I think if I would have been a newbie to my role – I won’t quite say he would have eaten me alive, but I’m not sure he would have had that respect for a junior engineer.

Lambiase explained.

Max Verstappen’s recent performances have also earned him the achievement of being one of the greatest drivers in the history of Formula 1. Additionally, the 2024 campaign for the Dutchman would likely be no different. Verstappen can potentially break other records with the help of Lambiase as his race engineer.

In case you missed it:

• Ralf Schumacher claims Red Bull has “great intention to sign” Fernando Alonso as Max Verstappen’s replacement 
• F1 pundit claims Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes’ W15 is “cursed”

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