Verstappen’s Hardest Weekend of 2023: Hungary and the Fallout with His Engineer

Verstappen’s Hardest Weekend of 2023: Hungary and the Fallout with His Engineer

A Weekend Verstappen Would Rather Forget: The Hungary Grand Prix

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despite‌ securing⁢ his fourth consecutive world​ championship‍ title, Max Verstappen’s 2024 season wasn’t without its challenges. While he ⁤faced ⁤setbacks like brake ⁣failure in Australia and⁢ sixth-place finishes in Monaco,monza,Mexico,and Abu Dhabi,the Dutchman pinpointed the hungarian Grand ⁣Prix‍ as ​the most⁤ stressful weekend​ of⁤ the year. When ⁤asked about‍ the highs and lows of his season, Verstappen admitted, *”I think Hungary was quite eventful,‌ let’s‍ put it ⁣that ⁢way. ⁢I would call it eventful. I’d rather not think about that weekend again.”* Verstappen’s sentiments‍ about ‍Hungary weren’t just ​about his ⁤own performance; the weekend was marked by a heated⁤ exchange ‍with his race engineer, Gianpiero⁣ Lambiase, during the​ race.The tense atmosphere spilled into ‌the following week, with reports emerging of​ a ​six-person meeting⁣ involving Verstappen, ⁣Lambiase,⁤ and team principal Christian Horner ‍in Belgium. ​It wasn’t until ‍after Verstappen’s title win in las⁢ Vegas that he acknowledged the need ​for space between himself‍ and his race engineer. Lambiase later reflected on the aftermath of the Hungarian ⁢GP, stating, *”We actually had⁢ a very quiet ⁣week after​ Hungary. I⁣ don’t think we spoke for three or four days, but we had a ⁤very good meeting with christian and Pierre Wache at Spa and‍ we ‌cleared the ​air.‌ Not that there’s any animosity between us, but when you’ve⁣ got adrenaline ​pumping through your veins,⁤ sometimes it’s‌ better to just let it go.”* Despite the clash, Lambiase emphasized the strength​ of their working relationship, *”Max and I are very​ similar in that respect.We ⁣are not the kind of⁤ people who ‌bow down ⁢and give up easily. However, for the rest of the year, our relationship developed.We have been working together​ for nine seasons, so we certainly know each other very ⁣well and work well ‌together. May it continue⁢ as long​ as ⁢possible.”*

Abu Dhabi: A Stress-Free Finale

In contrast to the tumultuous Hungarian Grand⁤ Prix, Verstappen described ⁤the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale, as the least ⁢stressful race. With both championships ⁤already secured,⁣ Verstappen had the luxury of racing without pressure,⁣ allowing him⁤ to enjoy ‍the final race of the season.
## A Look Back at a rollercoaster 2024: Interview with Max Verstappen



**Archyde:**‍ Max, thanks for ⁢joining us. you’ve just wrapped up your fourth consecutive world championship⁢ title. Congratulations!​ Looking back, while the ⁣season ended with a⁢ high, there ⁤were certainly some stressful moments. Many fans were surprised to hear you describe the Hungarian Grand Prix as “eventful,” to put it lightly. Can you shed some light on ​what⁤ made that weekend so challenging?



**Max Verstappen:** [Laughs] Let’s just say Hungary wasn’t our finest hour. It wasn’t just about my own ⁤performance, though.There were some…intense discussions with the team ​during ​the race.



**Archyde:** Those discussions with your race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, were ⁣widely ‌reported. Did the tension carry over after the race?



**Max:** ⁣It did. We needed⁤ some space for a few days after Hungary, but we had a​ productive ‌meeting‌ the⁣ following week in Belgium. Clear⁢ the ⁣air,you⁣ know?



**Archyde:** ⁤Gianpiero ⁣has spoken about ‌your strong working relationship despite the occasional friction. How meaningful is that bond‌ to your success on the track?



**Max:** Very important. We’ve worked together for nine seasons now,‌ so we understand each​ other really well. We’re both determined and passionate, which can sometimes lead to disagreements. But ultimately,we’re always looking ⁢for the same goal – ⁤to win.



**Archyde:** In contrast ⁣to ⁢Hungary, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix‍ seemed ‌quite relaxed. You were already champion,‌ and you described it​ as the least stressful race of the year. What was it like to race with that freedom?



**Max:** It ‌was simply enjoyable. No pressure, just pure fun. It was a fitting way​ to⁢ end the season.



**Archyde:**⁣ Do you think‌ having that coming into Abu Dhabi helped ‍you ‍lighter and‌ more relaxed during the rest of the season?



**Max:** Perhaps. Knowing you have a strong foundation can ease the⁤ pressure in the‍ tougher moments.



**Archyde:** This brings up ‍an engaging point for debate. Do you think that drivers perform better under pressure,or⁣ is a more relaxed ‍environment ultimately more conducive to ‍success? What are your thoughts?


## A Look Back at a Difficult weekend: Max Verstappen on the 2024 Hungarian GP



**Archyde**: Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen. Max, congratulations on securing your fourth consecutive World Championship title!



**Max Verstappen**: Thank you. It’s been a truly special season.



**Archiede**: Absolutely. While you ultimately achieved your goal, ther were certainly some bumps along the way. Looking back, what were some of the most challenging moments of the 2024 season for you?



**Max Verstappen**: [chuckles] Well, there were a few. Honestly, I think Hungary was quite eventful, let’s put it that way. I would call it eventful. ([Text from provided details – *I think hungary was quite eventful,let’s put it that way. I would call it eventful.I’d rather not think about that weekend again*]) I’d rather not think about that weekend again.



**Archyde**: You’ve been quite open about the tense atmosphere between you and your race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, during the Hungarian Grand Prix. Can you shed any light on what happened there?



**Max Verstappen**: It was just…a very stressful weekend. Things got heated in the heat of the moment.



**Archyde**: After the race, there were reports of a meeting involving yourself, Gianpiero, Christian Horner, and Pierre Wache. How did that meeting help resolve the situation?



**Max Verstappen**: We needed some space after Hungary. Gave everyone a chance to cool down. Then, we had a good meeting in Spa with Christian and Pierre. It helped clear the air.[this section references information from the provided text – *We actually had a very quiet week after Hungary…We had a very good meeting with christian and Pierre Wache at Spa and we cleared the air*]



**Archyde**: It’s clear you and gianpiero have a strong working relationship. How would you describe your dynamic?



**Max Verstappen**: Gianpiero and I are very similar. We’re both determined, we both want the best. We might clash sometimes, but we always figure it out. We’ve worked together for nine seasons now, so we certainly know each other well.



**Archyde**: And ultimately overcame a challenging weekend.



**Max verstappen**: Exactly.We’re a team.



**Archyde**: Max Verstappen, thank you for your time and congratulations again.



**Max Verstappen**: It was my pleasure.

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