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Max Verstappen’s Race Engineer Lambiase Opens Up on Challenges Behind 2024 Title Triumph

Redação by Redação
December 4, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Max Verstappen’s Race Engineer Lambiase Opens Up on Challenges Behind 2024 Title Triumph

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: 2024 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates with race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411240350 // Usage for editorial use only //

As Max Verstappen clinched his fourth Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship in 2024, his longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase shared insights into the rollercoaster season that tested their partnership and Verstappen’s resolve like never before.


The Struggles of the RB20

While Verstappen’s fourth consecutive title seemed inevitable to many, the reality on the ground was far more complex. Red Bull’s RB20, plagued by inconsistent performance, was no longer the dominant force it had been. Instead, Verstappen found himself fighting to maintain his championship lead while facing stiff competition from Ferrari and McLaren. The RB20’s struggles placed immense pressure on both the driver and the team, leading to tense moments on and off the track.

“Max found himself in a position where the car wasn’t capable of winning races anymore,” Lambiase admitted. “That creates unique challenges when you’re trying to defend a championship lead.”


The Hungary Flashpoint

The strain between Verstappen and Lambiase reached a peak at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Frustrated by a strategy call that left him finishing fifth, Verstappen’s heated radio messages drew attention to the challenges Red Bull faced internally.

Reflecting on that moment, Lambiase explained, “We had a very quiet week after Hungary. There wasn’t a word spoken for three or four days. But we had a really good meeting in Spa with Christian [Horner] and Pierre [Wache], just clearing the air.”

He emphasized that there was no lasting animosity between him and Verstappen, attributing the tense exchange to the high-adrenaline environment. “Sometimes when adrenaline is running that high, it’s best just to leave things alone,” he said.


A Relationship Built on Trust

Having worked together since Verstappen’s arrival at Red Bull in 2016, the bond between the Dutchman and his race engineer has become one of the strongest partnerships in Formula 1. Lambiase praised Verstappen’s ability to deliver results even when the odds were stacked against him, citing this as a key factor in the team’s success.

“It’s a relationship that’s grown over nine seasons now, so we know and work with each other very well. Max knows he can pull off results that aren’t always there, and that factor often breaks his rivals psychologically,” Lambiase noted.


Turning the Page: Eyes on 2025

Despite securing the title with a third-fastest car, Lambiase and Verstappen know Red Bull’s current form is unsustainable. With two races remaining, the pair aim to end the season on a high while looking toward a stronger campaign next year.

“We’ll do our best to finish Qatar and Abu Dhabi on a high and hopefully grab another win or two,” said Lambiase. “But next year is next year. We have work to do at Milton Keynes to stop our downward trajectory.”


A Championship Built on Resilience

In a season defined by adversity, Verstappen and Lambiase’s partnership shone through. The Dutchman’s ability to stay composed under pressure, combined with Lambiase’s steady guidance, proved decisive in securing the championship.

As Red Bull regroups for 2025, this dynamic duo will once again be at the forefront, determined to defend their crown and reclaim their status as the team to beat in Formula 1.

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