{"id":33294,"date":"2023-11-25T17:57:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-25T17:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/?p=33294"},"modified":"2023-11-25T17:47:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T17:47:19","slug":"unusual-voice-heard-over-max-verstappens-radio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formula1news.co.uk\/unusual-voice-heard-over-max-verstappens-radio\/","title":{"rendered":"Unusual voice heard over Max Verstappen’s radio"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen didn’t have Gianpiero Lambiase as his race engineer, to the confusion of many. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Free Practice 2 at the Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen’s performance engineer, Tom Hart, took Lambiase’s role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lambiase has been Verstappen’s race engineer since the three-time World Champion joined Red Bull at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, with the duo having gone on to form a very tight partnership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reasoning for Lambiase not filling his usual role on Friday was later revealed by the Milton Keynes-based team, with Hart having been given the opportunity to practice the role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, Red Bull gave several employees an opportunity to practice a different role, with the team having already sealed both titles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Bull effectively fielded an entire new squad on the opening day of the season finale, including, two new drivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To comply with the mandatory two rookie sessions, reigning Formula E World Champion Jake Dennis and Formula 2 driver Isack Hadjar replaced Verstappen and Sergio Perez in FP1, before the usual pairing returned for FP2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In regard to Lambiase, Red Bull confirmed that he’ll be back in his role as Verstappen’s race engineer from Saturday onwards, ready for qualifying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s been a difficult weekend for Verstappen so far based on FP2 and Free Practice 3, with him looking less than happy with the performance of his RB19. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reigning World Champion ended Friday in third, before he could only salvage sixth in the final practice session before qualifying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verstappen was over seven-tenths slower than George Russell’s leading time, whilst Perez could only claim P11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Red Bull victory certainly doesn’t look a guarantee based on the team’s performance in the practice sessions, with Mercedes appearing to have the best package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Max #Verstappen<\/a> makes \u2018prove\u2019 claim against Lewis Hamilton https:\/\/t.co\/RAl6GWp6fR<\/a><\/p>— Formula1News.co.uk (@Formula1newsUK) November 24, 2023<\/a><\/blockquote>