During the second practice session (FP2) at the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, engaged in a heated exchange that highlighted the intense dynamics within the Red Bull Racing team. The incident occurred when Verstappen experienced difficulties engaging reverse gear after a lock-up at Turn 5, leading to a rare moment of visible frustration between the driver and his engineer.
After the lock-up, Verstappen found himself unable to reverse his car and sought assistance over the team radio. Lambiase responded with instructions on how to engage reverse gear, prompting Verstappen to retort, “You think I’m stupid? I tried that” . This exchange underscored the high-pressure environment of Formula 1, where split-second decisions and communications are critical.
Despite the tense moment, such interactions are not uncommon between Verstappen and Lambiase. Their relationship, forged over years of collaboration, is characterized by candid and direct communication. Verstappen has previously stated that he appreciates Lambiase’s straightforward approach, noting that a bit of “fire” in their exchanges helps him perform at his best .
In terms of performance, Verstappen concluded FP2 in 10th place, trailing session leader Charles Leclerc by 0.713 seconds. Red Bull’s other driver, Yuki Tsunoda, finished just behind Verstappen in 11th place, indicating that the team faced challenges during the session .
Looking ahead, Verstappen remains focused on improving his performance for the upcoming qualifying session. He acknowledged that changes made to the car’s setup for FP2 did not yield the desired results, affecting his ability to navigate corners effectively. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make necessary adjustments overnight to enhance competitiveness .
The incident between Verstappen and Lambiase serves as a reminder of the intense pressures and high stakes in Formula 1. While their exchange was heated, it reflects a professional relationship built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. As the Monaco Grand Prix weekend progresses, all eyes will be on Red Bull Racing to see how they respond to the challenges ahead.