Max Verstappen discussed his radio communication during the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix with engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, which inspired him to resolve a setup disagreement. Following a Red Flag caused by a crash involving Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon on Lap one, Verstappen and Red Bull decided to make adjustments to the setup for the race restart. Team Principal Christian Horner later revealed that they had altered the front wing angle of Verstappen’s RB20. However, shortly after the restart, Verstappen spoke over the team radio, suggesting a minor change: “Yeah, maybe one or two clicks less is OK.” Lambiase responded in his usual tongue-in-cheek manner, saying, “I won’t say I told you so, but understood. Thank you.”
When asked about this amusing exchange with his race engineer, Verstappen explained, “We had a discussion, not really an argument, but he questioned whether I was certain about the adjustment.” Verstappen admitted, “I was confident in my decision, but it turned out to be incorrect. So he was right. However, it also motivates me because even if I’m not completely satisfied with the balance, I will strive to be consistent without arguing back.” Verstappen emphasized the positive relationship he has with his engineer, stating, “We have a great rapport, and it works well like that.”
It is interesting to consider that Verstappen requires additional motivation to win a Grand Prix, a feat he has accomplished 57 times. The Red Bull RB20 remains the dominant car, and Verstappen outperformed his teammate Sergio Perez throughout the 53 laps at Suzuka on Sunday. Reflecting on his victorious performance, Verstappen remarked, “It was very, very satisfying. The crucial part was, of course, the start, to maintain the lead. And after that, the car just improved for me as the race progressed. I’m not sure if it was due to the approaching clouds, but it was fantastic. Everything went smoothly – the pit stops, the strategy. It couldn’t have been better!”
A motivated and determined Verstappen, working in harmony with his race engineer, presents a concerning prospect for his competitors as they prepare for the upcoming race in Shanghai in just under two weeks.