Verstappen: I see Lambiase as my friend

Lambiase has been race engineering Verstappen ever since the latter joined Red Bull Racing back in 2016, as the pair kicked off their relationship in style with a win at that year's Spanish Grand Prix.

Fast forward to 2025, and Verstappen, with Lambiase on his side, has now amassed four Formula 1 Titles, 71 wins, and 48 pole positions.

However, they could not celebrate a fifth Title following the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which Verstappen won from pole despite the Dutchman's impressive comeback from 104 points down on the Championship lead to missing out on the title by just two.

The cameras in Abu Dhabi caught Lambiase's disappointment when his driver lost out to Champion Lando Norris, with his head in his hands, but he delivered an emotional message to his driver, saying: "Max, you have given everything—you can be proud of that, mate. Hold your head up high."

"We showed them one final time who’s boss," Verstappen responded, shrugging off disappointment. "Congrats guys, what a comeback in our second half of the season.

"We can be really, really proud of that, so don’t be too disappointed. I’m definitely not disappointed. I’m really proud of everyone to never give up."

Later, Verstappen reflected on working with Lambiase, and especially in the 2025 season, he said: "It’s been an emotional year.

"Forget about the results this year. I also don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough. But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate.

“Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend," he claimed. "We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements. I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag.

“So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him.

"I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good. A proper example of someone that never gave up this season, even through the difficult times," Verstappen concluded.

Verstappen and Lambiase have treated us to many funny, intense, and even controversial moments through their radio communications over their time together, which has shown the strength of the bond they enjoy.