After an intense back-and-forth during qualifying at the Spa F1 event, Max Verstappen has said he has no qualms with his race engineer. The squabble came to the fore at the close of the second qualifying stage (Q2), where Verstappen ultimately led. The incident involved a heated verbal exchange from the Red Bull driver.
Upon his narrow qualification into Q2, Verstappen appeared aggravated by Red Bull’s directive for him to complete a slow, full lap in order to recharge his battery for a final Q2 run. This happened after his Turn 9 miss late in the session. Verstappen’s preference was to immediately embark on another speedy lap following his mistake.
However, Lambiase, Verstappen’s race engineer, argued that Red Bull believed his soft tyres would overheat by the end of a second consecutive attempt. Additionally, he stated that there was insufficient time to complete a slow lap before making a final, fast attempt.
His concerns also extended to the unpredictability of the track’s evolution and the possibility that Verstappen’s competitors could outpace him, particularly if he had expended all his engine’s electric power boost with two back-to-back quick laps.
Verstappen retorted, expressing his annoyance with the situation, to which Lambiase reassured him about his qualification and discussed future race strategies.
After ultimately leading the qualifying round, outpacing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by a significant 0.82s, Verstappen apologized for his prior outburst as he returned to the pits at the end of Q3.
When questioned about the Q2 spat by Motosport.com, Verstappen responded by saying he would discuss it privately with Lambiase and insisted that such incidents occur occasionally.
The dynamic between Verstappen and Lambiase has consistently sparked interest in F1 circles due to Lambiase’s stoic demeanour in response to Verstappen’s often fiery radio conversations.
The duo has been working together since Verstappen was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull early in the 2016 season. Their rapport has drawn considerable attention in the 2023 championship, which Verstappen is currently dominating.
This attention is also due to Verstappen’s status as the leading star of F1, taking over the mantle from Lewis Hamilton. The communication between Verstappen and Lambiase during races, especially during Verstappen’s dominance at the Austrian GP, is often aired on TV, providing additional narrative to the competition.
Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner, has previously compared their radio dialogue to that of an “old married couple.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Max Verstappen Spa F1 qualifying
What happened during the Spa F1 qualifying between Verstappen and his race engineer?
During the qualifying round at Spa F1, Max Verstappen and his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, had a heated exchange. Verstappen was upset about the team’s decision to have him complete a slow, full lap to recharge his battery for a final Q2 run, following a mistake he made. Despite the tension, Verstappen ultimately led the qualifying round.
Who won the Spa F1 qualifying?
Max Verstappen won the Spa F1 qualifying. He topped the session, beating Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by a significant 0.82s.
Did Verstappen apologize after the heated exchange during the qualifying round?
Yes, Max Verstappen apologized for his heated comments after leading the qualifying round. He apologized as he returned to the pits at the end of Q3.
How long have Verstappen and his race engineer, Lambiase, been working together?
Verstappen and Lambiase have been working together since Verstappen was promoted from Toro Rosso to Red Bull early in the 2016 season.
How has the relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase been described?
The relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase has been likened to that of an “old married couple” by Red Bull’s team leader, Christian Horner. The pairing is known for their dynamic of heated exchanges, followed by resolution and understanding.
More about Max Verstappen Spa F1 qualifying
- Max Verstappen’s Official Profile
- Red Bull Racing Official Website
- F1 Official Website
- Spa F1 Grand Prix Overview
6 comments
Max and Lambiase’s radio chats always give me a good laugh, they’re like an old couple! Both have strong personalities but work so well together.
This is classic Verstappen, fiery but delivers when it counts. His relationship with Lambiase is quite interesting.
verstepen never backs down does he? even from his own team, he’s like a one man army out there. great qualifying though.
Man, Max’s temper is something else, huh? but hey, the dude can drive! Top of qualifying after all that.
Max is such a hot head sometimes… but you can’t argue with the results! Keep pushing Max!
you gotta love Max’s honesty and determination. even in heated moments, he is just looking to push the limit. Great job Max!