P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Is Max Verstappen two-faced? Red Bull insider on what F1 champion is really like
Max Verstappen’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, has praised the Dutch driver’s straightforward and honest nature, dispelling the idea that Verstappen has a “two-faced” personality. Lambiase, who has been working closely with Verstappen since 2016, also revealed that despite their age gap, he has taken on a fatherly role in their relationship. Verstappen, a four-time F1 world champion at just 28, is determined to secure a fifth title following the regulations reset, aiming to surpass former Red Bull star Sebastian Vettel’s achievements.
The bond between Verstappen and Lambiase is built on trust and honesty, with Lambiase emphasizing their mutual respect and dedication to achieving the best results for each other and the team. Despite speculations linking Verstappen with a move away from Red Bull, the driver has expressed his desire to stay with the team until the end of his current contract in 2028. Verstappen’s goal is to finish his career at Red Bull, recognizing the value of his partnership with Lambiase and the challenges of adapting to a new race engineer as demonstrated by Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari.
The upcoming 2026 regulations overhaul in Formula 1 may impact the performance of teams, potentially posing a test of loyalty for Verstappen if Red Bull struggles to provide him with a competitive car. Despite external pressures and offers from other teams, Verstappen’s commitment to Red Bull and his strong working relationship with Lambiase suggest a continued focus on achieving success together on the track.
