Max Verstappen Breaks Silence on Heart-Wrenching Struggles of His Race Engineer: “It’s a Shitty Situation”
In a shocking revelation, Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen has opened up about the deeply troubling personal circumstances faced by his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, throughout the tumultuous 2025 season. Known for his candidness, Verstappen didn’t mince words when discussing the “shitty situation” that has impacted Lambiase’s ability to perform at his best amidst a backdrop of personal turmoil.
The bond between Verstappen and Lambiase is legendary, reminiscent of the iconic partnerships seen in F1 history, such as Lewis Hamilton and Peter Bonnington at Mercedes. Since Lambiase joined the Red Bull Racing team in 2016, their collaboration has been pivotal to Verstappen’s success on the track. However, the 2025 season has proven to be a significant challenge for the dynamic duo, with Lambiase forced to miss critical races, including the Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix, due to distressing private matters.
In a candid interview, Verstappen shed light on the emotional toll this situation has taken on not just Lambiase, but also their performance as a team. “He has had a very difficult year and still does,” Verstappen revealed during his conversation with Viaplay. “That is very difficult. Actually, I didn’t quite realize how hard that is for him to do his job and continue life at home. I don’t know, that’s very hard to describe.”
The weight of Lambiase’s personal struggles has also been felt in the heat of competition. Verstappen acknowledged the occasional tension that arises during races, reflecting, “You sometimes hear on the radio that we have our moments, and then I sometimes think afterwards: ‘Should I have actually done that?'” He emphasized the extraordinary bond they share, saying, “You’re so adept at it together; he is too.”
While Verstappen has tried to support Lambiase during this difficult stretch, he admitted the challenge of navigating such sensitive matters amidst the adrenaline-fueled chaos of racing. “My father has also seen him a few times, in London, for example, and then you talk about it. Of course, I know a little bit about what’s going on in the background, but you also don’t want to ask about it all the time,” Verstappen explained, showcasing his understanding of the delicate balance between personal and professional life.
The emotional gravity of Lambiase’s situation came to a head during the final race of the season, where Verstappen witnessed his long-time ally visibly shaken and in tears on the pit-wall. “Of course, I also saw that he was very emotional,” Verstappen noted. “He always takes it very personally that we didn’t win, and after the race, I actually really wanted to go to him, but there are so many people and chaos, then you can’t find a moment to do it.”
As the dust settles on an intense season, Verstappen’s heartfelt comments shine a light on the often-overlooked personal struggles that accompany the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. The emotional toll on team members like Lambiase underscores the human element behind the roaring engines and competitive spirit, reminding fans that there are real lives and challenges behind the glitz and glamour of the sport.
As the 2026 F1 season approaches, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Lambiase, not just for their racing prowess, but also for their resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a poignant reminder that in the world of high-octane motorsport, the heart can sometimes be just as important as the horsepower.
