Horner: I congratulate GP for putting up with grumpy Max

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) honoured its 2023 motorsport champions including Verstappen, Formula 1 World Champion for a third time in three years and Red Bull Racing for their F1 Constructors' title this year.

Speaking at the event, team principal Horner said: "It's been a tough season and we've seen a few things happen this year that were incredible. I'd like to congratulate Gianpiero Lambiase this year on what he has achieved with Max, putting up with grumpy Max on occasion."

Horner of course was tipping his hat to Lambiase aka GP who has engineered Verstappen to his 54 Grand Prix victories, the RBR team boss recalled: "GP and Max have been together since the first race, when Max got in the car. Max is a demanding customer and you have to be a strong character to deal with it.

"GP is our Jason Statham, at least that's how he looks.He treats him strictly but fairly. There is a lot of respect between the two of them. That comes from the mutual trust that you have to have with your engineer," explained the Red Bull F1 boss.

"With them, conversations between the two are listened to by 200 million people. There is a strong connection and great trust between the two," Horner pointed out of the pair.

Indeed F1 engineers have never so in the spotlight as they are today and probably plays an even more important in the age of pitwall-to-driver communication crucial to strategy and maximising the package throughout a Grand Prix weekend, these days. And of course, the choice bits are heard live to tens of millions watching, turned into memes and keep social media buzzing.

And the choice bits between the Red Bull pair are plentiful. Like most drivers, Verstappen can be highly strung in the car during the heat of battle, resulting in some classic 'confrontations' between the pair over the years, more so in recent years than before.

Horner continued: "Max demands a lot. He has this hunger to want everything. GP does a great job of keeping Max under control over a weekend or even in qualifying."

"Sometimes sparks fly between them," acknowledged Horner. "Max is a character who gets up to speed quickly, but then quickly calms down again. GP doesn't forget that. Many race engineers would break under this pressure. GP has the strength and character to deal with it. And he has the respect and trust between the two."

Although at times he serves as a proverbial 'punching bag' for Verstappen, GP likens him to a "little brother" and together they are "insatiable" when it comes to winning in F1: "No matter how many races we win, or how many championships we have won or could win, I think the point is I don't think we're ever happy.