Verstappen and Lambiase hit reset after Hungary flare-up
Max Verstappen and Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase have resolved their differences following the pair’s tense radio exchanges during last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen and his long-standing ally are back on the same page after a sit down was held at Spa by team boss Christian Horner.
Verstappen’s behavior during last Sunday’s race at the Hungaroring drew significant attention due to increasingly aggressive radio messages directed at Lambiase, who sits on Red Bull’s pit wall.
Frustrated by what he perceived as poor strategy execution from his team, the reigning world champion did not hold back his feelings.
At one point, he told Lambiase, "No mate, don't give me that bullshit now. You guys gave me this f’ing strategy, okay? I'm trying to rescue what's left. F sake."
The Dutchman’s harsh tone sparked criticism, with many feeling that Verstappen had gone too far and failed to appreciate Red Bull's efforts on his behalf.
Despite his initial defiance after the race, where he suggested that his critics could "f**k off," Verstappen appeared more conciliatory upon arriving in Belgium.
According to reports, Verstappen, Lambiase, Horner, and technical director Pierre Wache held a clear-the-air meeting in the Red Bull motorhome at Spa.
While understanding Verstappen's anger, the team also emphasized the need for respectful communication. The championship leader was also spotted in close conversation with Lambiase just outside the team’s garage, behind Red Bull’s trucks.
Matters between the two men have reportedly been settled, as evidenced by their polite tone during their radio communications on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the race weekend, Verstappen defended his on-track communication style, attributing it to his fierce competitive spirit.
"People that don't like my language don't have to listen to it," he said. "Turn the volume down.
"I am very driven to success. I think I've proven that already. And I always want to optimise stuff. Now, people can argue that you might not be so vocal on the radio but that's their opinion.
"My opinion is that it needs to be said at the time to maybe also try and force that the second pitstop would have been a bit different and yes that's how it goes.
"We are very open-minded we are very critical to each other as a team, and that's been working for us very well. I don't expect that to change."
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