Here’s what Verstappen and Lambiase said to each other after Russell’s alleged brake-test

As widely reported, Red Bull lodged two formal protests with race control over a pair of alleged infractions by George Russell under the Safety Car. The first, according to Christian Horner and Max Verstappen, was that the British driver deliberately performed a brake test to provoke another penalty for his rival.

The second claimed that Russell failed to maintain the required ten-car gap behind the Safety Car, a protest that Red Bull later withdrew.

The stewards found no wrongdoing in the Mercedes driver’s on-track behavior, allowing him to keep his first victory of the season.

However, the radio exchanges between Verstappen and Lambiase once again highlight the Italian-born engineer’s remarkable ability to keep his driver temper under control, even though he had been visibly frustrated by his rival’s maneuvers. 

The race eventually ended under the Safety Car, denying Verstappen the chance to launch a final-lap attack for the win.

Verstappen: That’s more than 10 car lengths also, there (when Russell accelerates).

Lambiase: Okay, we will check that as well, thank you.

Lambiase: Yeah, that incident with Russell now being shown on the feeds Max. So, pretty blatant. Just don’t fall for the gamesmanship, okay? Thank you.

Lambiase: Safety Car through the pit lane, Max.

Verstappen: More than 10 car lengths, what is he doing?

Lambiase: Thank you.

Verstappen: Way more than 10, look at this!

Lambiase: Yes, thank you Max. We’ll have a look. Cheers mate.

Lambiase: Ah, this is final lap, Max. Well done for keeping your head for the moment.

Lambiase: Okay Max, so Safety Car is coming in and you will stay out and finish the race on the main straight.