Nicole MulderManaging Editor
Nicole Mulder is Managing Editor at GPblog and a specialist in Formula 1 and MotoGP. With years of experience and permanent FIA accreditation at Grands Prix worldwide, she delivers reliable coverage and insights based on direct access to drivers and the F1 paddock.
Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, could not be heard on the Dutchman's team radio during the first free practice session in Imola. Instead, Verstappen was accompanied by performance engineer Tom Hart.
Lambiase not on Verstappen's team radio in FP1 Imola
The familiar voice of 'GP' could not be heard on Verstappen's team radio during the first practice session at Imola. Lambiase was replaced for this session by performance engineer Tom Hart, who could also previously be heard on the team radio during FP2 in Abu Dhabi last year.
The reason for the temporary change was to allow Hart to get used to Lambiase's work, with the aim of better cooperation between the two. Hart could be heard on the team radio several times during the session as Verstappen struggled with the balance, ultimately failing to get beyond a fifth time after two off-track excursions.
The reigning world champion was unhappy with the feeling in his RB20 and reported problems with grip and his brakes. It was clear that the setup of his Formula 1 car was still far from ideal, something the team would try to solve for the second free practice session.
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This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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