Lambiase: F1 should be grateful for ‘gentle giant’ Max Verstappen

Long-standing Red Bull race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has moved to soften Max Verstappen’s sometimes controversial image, insisting the four-time world champion is far from the “villain” many perceive him to be in the sport.

Lambiase has worked alongside Verstappen since his arrival at Red Bull Racing in 2016. Speaking as part of a Behind the Charge feature on YouTube celebrating Verstappen’s 200th race with the Milton Keynes squad, the Italian-British engineer painted a far warmer portrait of the Dutchman than his on-track reputation suggests.

Lambiase describes Verstappen as a “gentle giant” off the track and “likeable character”, urging the F1 community to appreciate the 27-year-old’s contributions both as a driver and a mentor.

A Sincere, Gentle Giant Off the Track

"Here at the track, Max, he’s portrayed as the villain of the paddock, but away from the track, he is the complete opposite," Lambiase said.

"He’s the most sincere, gentle giant and a very likeable character. I consider him a top friend."

While the Red Bull charger’s aggressive racing style and no-nonsense interviews have made him one of the sport’s most polarising figures, Lambiase says the 27-year-old’s private side tells a different story.

"Max is clearly a generational talent," he continued. "He’s followed... in recent years, [Michael] Schumacher, Lewis [Hamilton], and he has taken on that mantle.

"And I think what he’s brought to this paddock... You see it in his relationship with the rookies nowadays, they’re all looking up to him and aspiring to be him and to achieve what he’s achieved.

“So, I think Formula 1 needs to be grateful for that."

The Stubborn Streak

Lambiase did not shy away from acknowledging Verstappen’s more challenging traits, particularly the ones that surface in their own working relationship.

"Max’s limitation? His stubbornness," he said with a smile. "He knows best, and that is an engineering challenge: to try and get yourself under his skin and into his head.

"I’ve come to accept that, even if at the time, he refuses to take in your recommendation, actually, he is absorbing it like a sponge, and he won’t admit it, but he will then go and do what you’ve asked."

A Champion F1 “Needs to Be Grateful” For

For Lambiase, Verstappen’s influence goes well beyond race wins and championship trophies. His presence, he argues, shapes the culture and competitive edge of the sport itself.

"I think Formula 1 needs to be grateful for that," he said, reflecting on the example Verstappen sets for young drivers and his continued push for excellence.

Behind the headlines and heated radio exchanges, Lambiase’s insight reveals a different Verstappen – one whose blend of competitive fire and quiet mentorship might be just as important to his legacy as his dominance on the track.

Read also:

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