Max Verstappen and his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, are a duo that defines Red Bull’s racing dominance—not just in performance, but also in their brutally honest communication on team radio. While GP’s sharp, at-times heated approach might raise eyebrows, Verstappen insists it’s exactly what he needs to extract every ounce of performance on track.
No Sugarcoating Between Max and GP
In a candid reflection, Verstappen emphasized how crucial direct communication is to their success. Known for their fiery exchanges—ones that often play out live during race broadcasts—the Dutchman revealed he prefers honesty over the generic, robotic “copy” or “we’re checking” phrases often heard from race engineers.
“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.”
Verstappen’s preference for GP’s no-frills style is a key ingredient in his relentless pursuit of precision. The dynamic between the two isn’t just about politeness; it’s about pushing limits and problem-solving in real time.
Taking a Dig at ‘Papaya Rules’
Never one to hold back, Verstappen also took a playful swipe at McLaren’s infamous “Papaya Rules” for team radio behavior. While the Woking-based squad employs calm, structured radio protocols, Verstappen made it clear that wouldn’t fly with him.
“If I heard that from an engineer, I’d tell him to just shut up immediately.”
Verstappen-Norris Friendship Still Intact
Despite their fierce on-track battles in 2024 and the occasional tension, Verstappen put to rest any rumors of a fractured friendship with McLaren’s Lando Norris. A fallout was speculated following sharp comments and incidents between the two throughout the season.
Verstappen, however, clarified their bond remains strong:
“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.”
Their helmet swap, a tradition among F1 drivers to signify mutual respect, is further proof that the rivalry remains professional.
Looking Ahead: A Rivalry to Watch
The 2024 season delivered its fair share of fireworks, as Verstappen found himself under genuine pressure from Norris and McLaren amidst Red Bull’s periodic struggles. With the field expected to be even closer in 2025, Verstappen and Norris’ rivalry promises to add more thrilling moments to F1’s narrative.
For Verstappen, though, the key to staying on top will be his unique connection with GP—a partnership built on trust, straight talk, and the drive to win.
As the Dutchman gears up for another season, one thing is certain: no “we’re checking” or sugar-coated comms will slow him down. Honesty, aggression, and results—Max Verstappen wouldn’t have it any other way. 🔥