The Hungarian Grand Prix was a race to remember, with the on-board radio communication between Max Verstappen and his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, adding to the drama. Verstappen didn’t hesitate to express his dissatisfaction with Red Bull’s strategic decisions. Let’s revisit some of the most intriguing exchanges between Verstappen and Lambiase.
The squabble between Verstappen and Lambiase started in the early laps when Verstappen had to give up a position to Norris. “I advise you to give that position back in turn 1, Max,” Lambiase suggested. “Okay, so you can just push people off the track? You can tell the FIA that we’re going to race like that from now on. Just pushing people off the track,” Verstappen retorted.
A few laps later, Verstappen complained about his inability to brake or steer effectively, yet Red Bull kept him out longer than the McLarens. Verstappen voiced his frustration over the radio: “It’s truly impressive how we let an undercut happen in this completely messed up race.” The real fireworks, however, began after the second pit stop.
Verstappen and Lambiase Continue to Spar
“Well, that was a gentle introduction,” Lambiase sarcastically commented after Verstappen’s second pit stop, when Verstappen didn’t immediately gain much speed. Verstappen, however, didn’t appreciate the remark: “No, don’t give me this bullshit now. You guys gave me this damn strategy, okay? I’m trying to save myself. Damn it.”
Verstappen then encountered Lewis Hamilton on the track, and a clash between the two resulted in a minor off-track excursion for Verstappen. “We think you were behind at the apex, mate,” Lambiase blamed Verstappen. “Whatever, mate,” Verstappen responded. “I’m not going to argue with other teams over the radio, Max, we’ll let the stewards decide. However, it’s childish on the radio. Childish.”
