Max Verstappen discussed his radio communication during the Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix with engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, which inspired him to resolve a setup disagreement. After a red flag caused by an accident involving Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon on the first lap, Verstappen and Red Bull decided to make adjustments to the setup for the race restart. Team principal Christian Horner later revealed that they had changed the angle of Verstappen’s RB20 front wing. However, shortly after the restart, Verstappen spoke over the team radio, suggesting a small change: “Yeah, maybe one or two clicks less is good.” Lambiase responded in a light-hearted manner, saying: “I’m not going to say I told you so, but got it. Thank you.”
When asked about this lighthearted exchange with his race engineer, Verstappen explained: “We had a discussion, not exactly an argument, but he questioned if I was sure about the adjustment.” Verstappen admitted: “I was confident in my decision, but it turned out to be incorrect. So he was right. However, this also motivates me because even if I’m not completely satisfied with the balance, I will strive to be consistent without arguing back.” Verstappen emphasized the positive relationship he has with his engineer, stating: “We have a great relationship and it works well like that.”
It is interesting to consider that Verstappen needs additional motivation to win a Grand Prix, a feat he has already achieved 57 times. The Red Bull RB20 continues to be the dominant car, and Verstappen outperformed his teammate Sergio Perez over the 53 laps in Suzuka on Sunday. Reflecting on his victorious performance, Verstappen commented: “It was very, very satisfying. The crucial part was, of course, the start, to maintain the lead. And after that, the car improved for me as the race progressed. I’m not sure if it was because of the approaching clouds, but it was fantastic. Everything went well – the pit stops, the strategy. It couldn’t have been better!”
A motivated and determined Verstappen, working in harmony with his race engineer, presents a worrying prospect for his competitors as they prepare for the next race in Shanghai in less than two weeks.
