Gianpiero Lambiase has been integral to Max Verstappen’s success and four Formula 1 world championships on the circuit.
The pair of race engineer and driver have been a superb combination that clicked from their first race together, winning the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Lambiase has worked superbly with Verstappen and guided the Dutchman when times have become more difficult or a race didn’t go to plan.
Both have very high standards, which is essential when being part of a championship-winning team such as Red Bull.
The Austrian team struggled at times this season with a car that was difficult to extract the most of the performance and was inferior to the McLaren.
Lambiase told the F1 Nation podcast that one race in particular was very taxing, and he and Verstappen had little contact after the weekend.
Gianpiero Lambiase and Max Verstappen didn’t talk for four days after the Hungarian Grand Prix
Red Bull had a very difficult run of races throughout the middle of the season as Verstappen struggled to match McLaren’s improved pace.
The final few races before the summer break were particularly tricky as Mercedes won three races while hitting a purple patch.
Verstappen slumped to fifth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix after competing in a sim racing event the night before. He was frustrated over the 70 laps as he lost points to Norris, who finished second.
The Dutchman also collided with Lewis Hamilton at Turn 1, which cost him the opportunity to score a podium and minimise the damage further.
Verstappen’s judgement in combat could be improved as he has stepped over the limit on some occasions during his career.
Lambiase explained there was very little discussion between himself and Verstappen before the next round of the world championship in Belgium.
He said: “Hungary springs to mind [as a difficult moment]. And we had actually a very quiet week after. I don’t think there was a word spoken, you know, in the three, four days after the Hungary race.
“But we had a really good meeting in Spa together with Christian [Horner] and Pierre [Wache] just clearing the air. Not that there was never any animosity, but I think sometimes when adrenaline is running that high, it’s best just to leave things alone. Max and I are very similar in that respect. We’re not one to bow down and give in very easily.”
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase have formed a very strong partnership
The relationship between a driver and his race engineer is absolutely critical over a race weekend to maximise the best possible result.
Over a race distance the communication is critical to decide strategy and how to adjust to potential variable conditions.
Lambiase and Verstappen have been very impressive when working together, particularly when the margins are fine at the front of the field.
They will be pushing for a fifth consecutive title next season, which may be difficult as Ferrari and McLaren have improved significantly.
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