Max Verstappen’s high-profile race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, known affectionately as ‘GP’, has opened up about the unique and successful partnership he shares with the Dutch racing sensation. Speaking to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Lambiase responded to Dr. Helmut Marko’s playful comparison of the pair to an “old married couple,” clarifying the nature of their tetchy exchanges during the intensity of Formula 1 races.
“We never really argue,” Lambiase stated, shedding light on the often misconstrued dynamic between him and Verstappen. Despite the frequent radio bickering that fans witness, Lambiase admits that it’s more about the momentary adrenaline rush rather than deep-seated issues. “Sometimes it does take a couple of hours after a race to get together again,” he said. He acknowledges that both he and Verstappen can be swept up by the heat of competition, which may lead to a temporary need for space.
Verstappen, 26, known for his fiery demeanor on the radio, is balanced by Lambiase’s own passion. “There are moments when I think ‘I could have conveyed that better’. Max will have that too. We may have different opinions, but in the evening or the next day it’s always ok,” ‘GP’ further elaborated, highlighting the strong mutual respect that ultimately defines their relationship.
The bond between Lambiase and Verstappen is so pronounced that the latter has been quoted as saying he might exit Formula 1 if Lambiase were not his engineer. Lambiase, however, remains modest: “First of all, no one is irreplaceable,” he said. “And secondly, there’s no way that if I walked out the door tomorrow, Max’s F1 career would be over.”
Yet the sentiment isn’t lost on Lambiase, who appreciates the respect Verstappen’s words convey. When considering the reverse scenario, Lambiase reveals his potential career trajectory. “The day that Max and I no longer work together will be the day that I would like to take on a different challenge,” he stated, suggesting a deep sense of loyalty to their partnership. “I don’t think it would be fair to any other driver if we tried to emulate what I’ve done with Max since May of 2016. I see this as something incredibly special and don’t think anything like it would happen again.”
Looking ahead to the future, Lambiase expresses his wishes: “I hope we continue like this until then,” referencing Verstappen’s contract duration through 2028. He also commented on Verstappen’s evolution as a driver, particularly during his first championship run in 2021. “That year, he understood that he had to finish every race and couldn’t afford DNFs. It was so incredibly important for his growth,” Lambiase said.
