In an era in which Formula 1 is constantly adapting to new rules and technologies, one name continues to define the sport: Max Verstappen. Gianpiero Lambiase, the racing engineer of Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, recently spoke powerful words about the Dutch driver. During an interview with Sky Sports F1 in the run -up to the Singapore Grand Prix in 2025, Lambian Verstappen called a “friendly giant” and insisted that the FIA should be grateful to him. “Without Max, the Formula 1 of this era would be extremely boring,” he said, a statement that called on both admiration and discussion among fans and experts.
Verstappen, four -time world champion, has left an unparalleled stamp on Formula 1 in recent years. Since his debut in 2015, he has broken records, dominated races and set a new standard for what it means to be a driver. His aggressive driving style, combined with an unparalleled talent to find the limits of the car, has made him a public favorite, but also to a controversial figure. Lambian’s comments come at a time when Verstappen is under fire because of his pronounced attitude towards the FIA, in particular on recent rule changes on language use and penalty points.
Lambian’s nickname “friendly giant” refers to Verstappen’s Duality: an intimidating force on the track, but an accessible personality outside. Fans know him as a driver who does not have a magazine, but also as someone who speaks with passion and humor about his sport. His rivalry with drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris yielded epic moments, such as the exciting battles in 2021 and the recent duels with McLaren in 2025. These rivalry revealed the Formula 1, especially after a period of Mercedes dominance that became predictable for many.
According to Lambian, Verstappen not only won races, but also raised the sport to a higher level. “Max attracts viewers, he creates stories,” he said. “Without him we would not have the tension and the drama that Formula 1 is now characterized.” This sentiment is shared by many fans, who point to the rising viewing figures since Verstappen’s rise. In 2025, with a more competitive field in which McLaren, Ferrari and even Aston Martin get closer, Verstappen remains the benchmark. His ability to gather points, even in a less competitive Red Bull, underlines his value.
Yet not everyone agrees with Lambiase’s hymn. Critics, including some former drivers, believe that Verstappen’s dominant performance and pronounced character sometimes polarize the sport. His collisions with the FIA, such as the recent controversy about a punishment for his language during a press conference, led to discussions about his attitude. The FIA has introduced stricter rules, including a possible racing offer at a maximum number of penalty points. Verstappen, who already has nine points on his super license, called these rules “ridiculous” and even threatened with a departure from the sport. Lambian defended his driver: “Max speaks from his heart. The FIA should appreciate that, not punishing.”
Despite the controversies, Verstappen’s influence remains unmistakable. In 2025 he leads the championship with 297 points after 14 races, 52 points for Lando Norris. His victory in Zandvoort, for his own audience, was an emotional highlight, with tens of thousands of Orange fans who chanted his name. But the season has not yet been won. McLaren’s upgrades and Ferrari’s consistent performance make the fight more exciting than ever. Verstappen’s current teammate, Yuki Tsunoda, is struggling to score points, making Red Bull dependent on Verstappen to defend the constructors’ championship.
Lambian’s words touch a wider chord: Verstappen is more than a driver; He is a phenomenon that defines Formula 1. His rivalry, his records and even his controversies have made the sport more accessible to a new generation of fans. On social media, posts are about his fighting and statements viral, and series asDrive to Survivehave magnified his charisma. Still, Verstappen remains focused on winning, with a mentality that distinguishes him. “I race to win, not to pee,” he said after the Grand Prix of Hungary, where he finished second despite a strategic misstep.
For Red Bull, Verstappen is the team of the team. Lambiase, who has been working with him since 2016, knows his driver like no other. Their radio exchanges, sometimes humorous, sometimes tense, have become legendary. “Max trusts us, and we on him,” said Lambiase. This symbiosis has led Red Bull to three constructors championships, but the challenge remains to find a second driver who can keep up with Verstappen. Until then, the burden rests on his shoulders.
While the 2025 season continues, Verstappen’s legacy continues to grow. Whether you admire or criticize him, his impact is unmistakable. Lambian’s call to the FIA to be grateful, reflects a wider truth: Verstappen has made Formula 1 more exciting, more human and more unpredictable. With nine races to go, the world is waiting for him to take his fifth title. What is certain is that the “friendly giant” continues to shape the sport, race after race, with a passion that holds both fans and critics in its grip.
