Max Verstappen keeps Lambiase on edge until penultimate lap in Brazil: “You made 2016 look pale”. What a struggle for Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase in Brazil.

What a struggle for Gianpiero Lambiase
In the final laps of the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen went all out, continually setting faster lap times and building a nearly 20-second lead over Esteban Ocon at the 4.309-kilometre Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace in Sao Paulo. This show of skill by the three-time world champion obviously had his race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, on the edge of his seat, rightfully haunted by the risk of a mistake, which is always lurking in such situations.

As early as lap 60 of the 69-lap race, Gianpiero Lambiase radioed Max Verstappen: “Be careful with your braking points. Stay away from the curbs and white lines.” Then on lap 66, he added, “No more risks, Max.” Finally, on lap 68, he said, “You have an 18-second lead; ease up.” After several reassurances from Max Verstappen, Max finally replied on lap 68, “Okay, I’ll calm down.”

After the checkered flag, Gianpiero Lambiase was able to congratulate his driver: “It’s been a long time, but it was worth the wait. Today, you made 2016 look pale,” referring to Max Verstappen’s extraordinary performance in Brazil in 2016, when he finished in second place after a legendary comeback, now “updated” with yesterday’s performance crowned by a victory.