Max and GP break down their third championship win

Nicola Hume speaks to three-time World Champion Max Verstappen and his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase about their record-breaking season which saw Max clinch the F1 driver’s championship in Qatar.

Max and GP share what its been like to lead so many races from the front, some secrets on their relationship both on-track and off-track and just how their iconic partnership began.
Also, in our 'Oracle Red Bull Racing in 100 Objects' section, Max and GP share what it was like to win the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix on Max’s debut in a Red Bull car.

Finally, they take on the HP Poly Challenge, as they have to identify the year and race from three of their famous radio exchanges.

* **Max Verstappen's Journey to Success:**

* Verstappen's humble beginnings in karting.
* His rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his Formula One debut at the age of 17.
* His remarkable achievements, including three World Championships and numerous race wins.

* **The Verstappen-Lambiase Partnership:**

* Their enduring relationship, spanning eight seasons.
* Their ability to communicate effectively and understand each other's needs.
* Their shared commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of improvement.

* **The Secrets of Their Success:**

* Open and honest communication, allowing them to address issues directly.
* A deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
* A willingness to adapt and evolve, both personally and professionally.

* **Max Verstappen's Driving Style:**

* His aggressive and fearless approach on the track.
* His ability to extract the maximum potential from his car.
* His relentless pursuit of perfection, even in dominant seasons.

* **The Challenges of Being a Formula One Driver:**

* The intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with competing at the highest level.
* The physical and mental demands of driving a Formula One car.
* The need for unwavering focus and dedication to succeed.

* **Max Verstappen's Future Aspirations:**

* His desire to continue winning races and championships.
* His interest in exploring other forms of motorsport, such as endurance racing.
* His commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Formula One.

**Memorable Moments:**

* Verstappen's first Formula One victory in 2016, an emotional moment for him and his team.
* The intense rivalry between Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, culminating in their controversial collision at the 2021 British Grand Prix.
* Verstappen's dominant performance in the 2022 season, securing his second consecutive World Championship.

**Respect and Understanding:**

Verstappen and Lambiase emphasize the significance of mutual respect in their working relationship. They acknowledge that disagreements and heated conversations may arise during intense racing situations, but these moments are not indicative of animosity. Instead, they view these exchanges as opportunities to communicate their perspectives and find the best possible solution for the team.

**Learning and Growth:**

Verstappen credits Lambiase for his extensive knowledge and expertise in the engineering aspects of Formula One. He highlights how Lambiase's guidance has helped him become more experienced, calm, and focused during races. On the other hand, Lambiase expresses his admiration for Verstappen's ability to win races and acknowledges that working with Verstappen has helped him develop a relaxed and confident approach to winning.

**Cheeky Banter and Fake Arguments:**

Verstappen and Lambiase address the perception that they engage in fake arguments during races to entertain the audience. They clarify that while they may occasionally exchange cheeky comments, these moments are not deliberate attempts to create drama. Instead, they emphasize their commitment to staying focused and maximizing performance throughout the race.

**Endurance Racing as a Potential Future Endeavor:**

When asked about the possibility of competing together in other motorsports, Verstappen and Lambiase express interest in endurance racing, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They acknowledge that it would be a different challenge, requiring a different mindset and approach due to the longer race duration and the involvement of multiple drivers.

**HP Poly Challenge:**

The podcast includes a challenge segment sponsored by HP Poly, where Verstappen and Lambiase attempt to identify the race and year associated with various radio message clips. They correctly identify the Portugal 2021 race for the first clip, the Silverstone 2020 race for the second clip, and the Spa 2023 race for the third clip.

**Conclusion:**

The podcast highlights the strong relationship between Verstappen and Lambiase, built on respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. Their insights provide a glimpse into the dynamics of a successful driver-engineer partnership in Formula One.