Max Verstappen ‘prefers’ race engineer GP’s aggressive approach despite radio clashes

Max Verstappen talked highly of his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over his aggressive approach of communicating on radio.

Max Verstappen ‘prefers’ race engineer GP’s aggressive approach despite radio clashes

Gianpiero Lambiase and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen and his long-time race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase (GP) showcase great communication while racing on the track. A majority of Verstappen’s masterclass in performance is due to GP’s amazing communication during racing. However, the two have also been spotted having an aggressive conversation during races which Verstappen prefers more.

Max Verstappen revealed that his race engineer GP and he were always honest with one another on the team radio. Due to this, there were a few clashes on the radio between the two which caused some problems in their relationship.

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The Dutchman reckoned that he preferred such heated moments rather than the race engineer saying that they were checking the situation. The 27-year-old believed that he couldn’t do anything with such useless information.

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GP and I, we’re always honest with each other. And sometimes that clashes, but I’d prefer that over someone who keeps saying “copy” on the radio or “we are checking.” I can’t do anything with that at all.

Max Verstappen told Viaplay.

Apart from GP’s communication, Verstappen also took a dig at McLaren’s papaya rules instigated on the team radio. The Dutchman joked that if he heard about the papaya rules from his race engineer, he would ask the latter to shut up immediately.

If I heard that from an engineer, I’d tell him to just shut up immediately.

Max Verstappen added

Max Verstappen revealed his friendship with Lando Norris after the 2024 season

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen often clashed heads with one another on the track in the 2024 season. Both the drivers possibly had a fallout in friendship after multiple controversial statements from both sides. However, Verstappen revealed that the two were still fine in terms of friendship and often saw one another. Moreover, the Dutchman also talked about a helmet swap with Norris after the end of the season.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shaking hands (via Formula 1)
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris shaking hands (via Formula 1)

Totally fine. We still text, we see each other. I talked to him on the phone yesterday about a helmet swap, those kinds of things.

Max Verstappen noted

The 2024 season peaked in competition and excitement at the forefront due to Red Bull’s struggling pace. The upcoming season will be similar if not better in terms of competition amidst the top teams. Norris will hope to deem a better start to the season to catch up to Verstappen early on in the season.