Verstappen Teases His Race Engineer Lambiase With Christmas Present Suggestions

Friday, 01 December 2023 at 16:00

Updated at Friday, 01 December 2023 at 18:41

Max Verstappen had a small funny jibe at his Red Bull Racing engineer Gianpiero Lambiase in relation to shopping for Christmas presents.

Max Verstappen mentioned he was looking forward to a break after a 22-race-long 2023 season. While Lewis Hamilton said he did not think Verstappen broke a sweat this year, it has been quite an exhausting season for the Dutchman.

On the other hand, a driver like the three-time World Champion can't just go on a break right after the final race. Verstappen revealed he still has quite a few obligations. He told Viaplay:

"I do like having a break. Only it's not over yet. I have to go to Japan for Honda, and then I'll come back to Europe for personal things, sponsor obligations, and for the team in England. There will be a few more days to come. Hopefully, I'll be free in the middle of December."

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Verstappen mentioned earlier this year he has a goal of setting up his own GT3 team with the aim of getting to the top of endurance racing. It seems like the project is already in progress, as the Dutchman said he has two test days planned for Christmas:

"I have two GT3 test days planned for Christmas. We are going to do that for a while. But that's not just for me, also for the team in GT3. After that it's already Christmas and I do really have a break."

The 26-year-old also couldn't help but taunt his race engineer as he said he would buy a mouth cap for him so he can keep his moth shut.

"I also have to buy Christmas presents, which I always do very late. For Gianpiero Lambiase (his race engineer) I buy a mouth cap. Then he can keep his mouth shut!"

There have been rumors about a heated relationship between Verstappen and his race engineer throughout the season, but the Red Bull driver assured the media that the two "get along very well".