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For Controlling Fiery Rage & Having Relaxed Mischief, Gianpiero Lambiase Hailed for Keeping Max Verstappen’s Feet on the Ground

Published 08/08/2023, 8:45 AM EDT

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Max Verstappen & his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase have a tale of ice and fire in F1. While Max has a fearless determination that has catapulted him to the pinnacle of the sport, his engineer affectionately as ‘GP is quite a cool-headed entity. Their dynamic is a captivating blend of heated exchanges and lighthearted banter, with Lambiase’s skillful ability to balance Verstappen’s fiery intensity ensuring the driver’s feet remain firmly planted on the ground.

Verstappen’s dominance has been nothing short of remarkable. This unyielding reign has been punctuated not only by his breathtaking on-track prowess but also by the intriguing dialogues exchanged with Lambiase over the team radio. However, at Spa, a different tone seemed to emerge, with Lambiase’s scoldings taking on a sharper edge.

via Imago

The real showdown between Verstappen and Lambiase unfolded during the Belgian GP. As rain threatened the circuit, strategy discussions became a game of chess. Lambiase, always the strategist, urged Verstappen to “use your head please.” It was a coded plea, a call for calculated aggression. Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of perfection meets its match in the form of Lambiase’s unyielding guidance. Their conversations over the radio aren’t just about strategy; they’re a dance of wits, a clash of perspectives, and a reflection of the mutual respect and trust that underpin their partnership.

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According to The Race on their YouTube channel, “Fire exchanges between Verstappen and the man often known as GP are nothing new and usually brushed off as banter that comes with their big brother-little brother relationship.” While Verstappen’s hunger for success often tempts him to push the limits, Lambiase’s words gently remind him to remain strategic, to harness his intensity in a way that maximizes his potential without risking unnecessary pitfalls.

The back-and-forth captures a unique dynamic where Lambiase’s guidance merges with Verstappen’s audacity, resulting in a symphony of calculated risk-taking. It’s a partnership that acknowledges the driver’s daring spirit while also grounding him in the realm of informed choices.

Max Verstappen – the modern maestro

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Max Verstappen stands as a colossus, wielding his remarkable ability to flick the switch between the racetrack and life beyond it. Once he leaves the circuit, F1 fades from his mind, allowing him to fully recharge. This unique approach has propelled him to a staggering 125-point lead over his rivals. But is winning too easily a bore? Verstappen grins and dismisses the notion, for it’s the thrill of the fight, the challenge, that keeps his passion alive.

via Reuters

“It’s better than we expected it to be, so yeah, it’s really enjoyable,” he chuckles, revealing a zest for the exhilarating moments. Yet, he acknowledges the underlying struggle: “But it doesn’t come easy.” His relentless consistency, fueled by self-imposed pressure and a team ethos of perpetual improvement, has set him apart. From his P6 start at Spa, Verstappen surged to the lead, leaving his rivals trailing. Each race, he molds himself anew, harnessing the experience and ironing out mistakes. For him, perfection is not an endgame; it’s a journey.

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Written by:

Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar