This elevates Verstappen's partnership with 'GP' to another level

09:54, 16 Dec

byKada Sarkozi

Yuki Tsunoda gave an insight into what makes the partnership between Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase so outstanding.

"It’s completely different. You hear how efficiently everything runs. I wanted to achieve that level of communication."

- Yuki Tsunoda

Lambiase, also known as 'GP' in the paddock, has been the four-time world champion's race engineer since Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull Racing in 2016. Lambiase is also Head of Racing for the Austrian team.

Tsunoda explained what makes the partnership between the two stand out after listening to their conversations during an FP1 session.

Speaking to DAZN Japan, he explained: "It’s completely different. You hear how efficiently everything runs. I wanted to achieve that level of communication.

"If you have to check something with someone else first, you’re automatically a step behind."

Because 'GP' has different roles, the Japanese driver also worked with him. Tsunoda could only praise the engineer.

He explained: "GP is honestly one of the most impressive engineers I’ve ever worked with. His ideas are incredible.

"He also oversees my chassis, but when Max is struggling, the priority has to be there. My engineering team is very capable, but simply less experienced, so sometimes we needed help. I just couldn’t always ask for it."

Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen testing setups in Las Vegas

Yuki Tsunoda - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Verstappen pays tribute to 'GP' after an 'emotional' 2025 campaign

After the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen and Lambiase had an emotional conversation on the team radio.

The Dutchman explained after the race: "I'm very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate. He's my race engineer, but I see him as my friend. We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements. I'm sure that he was a bit emotional after the flag.

"I'm actually looking forward to leaving here and going to chat with him. It's not been easy at times for him. I'm just very proud to be able to work with someone as good as well and, again, also a proper example of someone who never gave up this season, even through the difficult times."

Lambiase missed a couple of weekends due to personal reasons this year, but he will continue with Verstappen and Red Bull in the 2026 season as well.

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