Max Verstappen has insisted that himself and race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase “get on so well”, despite often being heard becoming “quite vocal” on the team radio.
Verstappen and Lambiase appear to often clash over the radio, something which led to suggestions that they don’t get on.
The pair have worked together ever since the three-time World Champion joined Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, a race he, of course, won.
Lambiase has often been very critical of the Dutchman over the radio and has informed him when he’s not done something right, as was the case at the Qatar Grand Prix where he failed to push for the opening corners during a 10-minute warm-up.
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Whilst Verstappen does often argue back over the radio, he stresses that this is the type of relationship he wants, as he thrives off of Lambiase’s honesty.
The duo are often straightforward with one another no matter whether they’re discussing a positive or a negative, caused by the fact they’re both “strong” characters.
However, Verstappen is convinced that it’s because they are so similar that they get on brilliantly and have enjoyed so much success together.
“[It’s] Incredibly important,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.
“I think a race engineer really needs to understand you and it’s very rare to have such a strong connection I think with an engineer.
“We hit the ground running quite in a crazy way, winning our first race together.
“You have your tough moments as well, because I’m a strong character, he’s a strong character, but that’s what I like because I will say to him when it’s bad and I will say to him when it’s good and he says that to me as well. That’s why I think we get on so well.
“That’s why sometimes we get quite vocal on the radio and then people sometimes think that we don’t like each other but we actually have a lot of respect for each other and we always want the best in every single situation.”
As talented as Verstappen is, Lambiase continues to give the 26-year-old advice on how to manage his tyres.
The reigning World Champion actually likes this despite him knowing a “lot of things myself”, with him being in favour of having Lambiase’s voice “in the background”.
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“He really tries to also coach me through the race,” Verstappen admitted.
“Of course, I know a lot of things myself when I’m driving but it’s always nice to have that voice.
“Sometimes in my head while driving I’m like ‘Okay, I know what to do’ but it’s still nice to have him in the background.”