Max Verstappen’s performance at the Spanish Grand Prix sparked rumors of a rift, but Christian Horner swiftly set the record straight.
During the Spanish Grand Prix, Max Verstappen started second on the grid and faced tough competition as he raced towards his seventh victory of the season. The race became tense when McLaren’s Lando Norris, pitting three laps later than Verstappen, returned to the track with newer tires, prompting race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to instruct Verstappen to ‘push to the end.’
In a radio exchange that caught attention, Lambiase had to repeat his directive twice, leading to speculation that Verstappen was irritated. Verstappen initially questioned, ‘Strat what?’ before Lambiase clarified, ‘One zero. One zero.’ This interaction was portrayed as contentious, but Red Bull’s Christian Horner was quick to clarify that the issue lay in the communication system and not in Verstappen’s temperament.
Horner explained that the radio had issues over the weekend. He assured media outlets, including PlanetF1.com, that Verstappen wasn’t being disrespectful or irritable. Instead, he was intensely focused and driving flat-out. Horner highlighted that with access to GPS data, the team could confirm Lando Norris wasn’t conserving tires in critical turns, necessitating real-time information for Verstappen.
Max Verstappen and his engineer Lambiase share a bond that Horner describes as akin to an ‘old married couple.’ Horner pointed out that their open communication style, even if testy at times, is crucial for their success. Verstappen himself has shared that he prefers a lively rapport over a monotone dynamic, stating, ‘You just need a bit of fire. That’s how I like to operate.’
Verstappen attributes part of the public perception to media broadcasts that often amplify in-race communications, but asserts that their post-race relationship remains unaffected as both are committed to winning. This dynamic has contributed to Verstappen’s impressive 61 Grand Prix victories and three world titles, underscoring the strength of their partnership.
Christian Horner’s remarks clarify that the perceived tension between Verstappen and his race engineer was merely a hiccup in communication, further showcasing their effective teamwork and shared commitment to success.
