MAX VERSTAPPEN will be without his right-hand man for the first time in his Formula One career at the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend.
The 27-year-old’s long-serving race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase has not made the trip to the team’s home race in Spielberg.
It will be the first time that Lambiase won’t guide through a race since the Dutchman stepped up from Toro Rosso toRed Bull Racing in May 2016.
Also known simply as ‘GP’ in the paddock, Lambiase has been the voice in Verstappen’s ear for every single one of his 219 races.
Their relationship proved an instant success after Verstappen won on his debut at the Spanish Grand Prix to become the youngest race winner in F1 history.
over the years, including four straight world titles– Verstappen now pushing for what would be a record-equalling fifth successive championship crown.
Lambiase was initially race engineer toDaniil Kvyatbut, when the Russian was replaced mid-season by an 18-year-oldVerstappen, he remained in the role.
The Italian-British engineer, 44, will miss theAustrian Grand Prix, the 11th race of the season,for personal reasons, according to ESPN.
In 2021, the Independent reported that , the pair coming up against fierce battles with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes that year.
In Lambiase’s place comes Simon Rennie, an experienced Red Bull employee who previously served as a race engineer and is currently Group Leader of Simulation Engineering at the team.
Rennie,45, has plenty of experience in the role, having performed it for the likes ofFernando Alonso, Robert Kubica andKimi Raikkonenat .
He joined Red Bull in 2013, initially serving as race engineer to Mark Webber and then toDaniel Ricciardobefore moving to a factory role in 2019.
He is no stranger to temporary stints back at the track, having served as Alex Albon’s race engineer in 2020 for a brief spell.
Rennie is expected to fill in for just one weekend with Lambiase expected to return to his trackside duties at theBritish Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend.
Verstappen trails championship leader by 43 points ahead of Austria, with Mercedes reportedly keen on prizing him from Red Bull if he wants out.
