Engineer must be strict with Max: 'Have absolutely asked him that'

F1 News

Sebastian Vettel played a role in Lambiase's arrival at Red Bull
28 June 2023 at 10:03
Last update 28 June 2023 at 17:02
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  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

Simon and Garfunkel, Nick and Simon, and Gianpiero and Max. They are familiar duos that have echoed through everyone's eardrums more than once. For many a Formula 1 fan, listening to the on-board radio conversations between the Italian-British engineer and the Dutch Red Bull driver is enjoyable. But how did their 'marriage' come about?

Lambiase joined Red Bull in 2015, having previously been employed by Force India and was Sergio Perez's race engineer, among others. In an interview with Autosport, Christian Horner explains how 'GP's' tenure at Red Bull came about. The engineer was originally brought in to replace Guillaume Rocquelin as Sebastian Vettel's race engineer. 'Rocky' would take on a different role within the team. "He went through a gruelling process that included being interviewed at length by Sebastian," Horner says.

Being strict with Max

Once Lambiase had said yes, he was in for a surprise. "Shortly afterwards, Sebastian buggered off to Ferrari! So, he got Daniil Kvyat," the team boss says. "He did a great job with [Kvyat], and then, obviously, when Max stepped up, the two of them built a bond very quickly, and it’s been hugely successful." Horner has confirmed that Red Bull have urged Lambiase to be forceful with Verstappen where necessary. "He is the interface with the driver."

Old married couple

It's always a very entertaining team radio conversation. Verstappen disagrees with something, and Lambiase thinks he should just focus on driving. Perhaps the best example was from a few weeks ago during the Spanish Grand Prix, when the Dutchman was eager to secure the fastest race lap and GP, above all, wanted him to keep driving within the lines. The world champion did not listen and drove the fastest race lap. "Can you just drive it home now?", Lambiase asked. "Yeah, yeah," replied Verstappen.

Horner thinks the two make a great duo. "Max is a strong character to deal with, and GP is equally as feisty," he said. The Brit likes to compare the two to an old married couple: "Arguing about what channel to watch on the TV, but there’s a real respect and a trust and a relationship between the two of them."