Max Verstappen voiced his gratitude for working alongside Gianpiero Lambiase following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with reports that the Dutchman's race engineer will take on a new role at Red Bull next season.
The four-time F1 drivers' champion took victory in the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, but could not clinch a fifth consecutive crown as Lando Norris finished third, enough to take the title by two points.
When Verstappen took the chequered flag, he was magnanimous in defeat, expressing his pride at Red Bull's post-summer revival under the leadership of team principal Laurent Mekies, insisting he is not "disappointed" with the outcome of the season.
Lambiase, who is affectionately known as GP, could not hold back the tears, with his head in his hands during an emotional moment.
Soon after, speculation that he will take on a different position at the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2026 spread through the paddock, although what is expected to be a promotion is anticipated to see him remain trackside.
It also comes after he missed the Austrian and Belgian Grands Prix this term due to private circumstances, which Verstappen alluded to when paying homage to the man in his ear.
"It’s been an emotional year," the 71-time grand prix winner told media, including RacingNews365, after falling tantalising short of realising a historic 104-point championship comeback.
"Forget about the results this year. I also don’t want to go too much into detail, but it’s been tough," he added of Lambiase's situation. "But I’m very happy to be able to work with someone that passionate.
"Of course, he is my race engineer, but I see him as my friend. We have lived through so many emotional things together and fantastic achievements.
"I’m sure he was a bit emotional after the flag. So, I’m really looking forward to leaving here and catching up with him because it’s not been easy at times for him."
Save for the occasions Simon Rennie has deputised for him, Lambiase has been Verstappen's race engineer since the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, the 28-year-old's first race for Red Bull after promotion from Toro Rosso — and also his first career grand prix victory.
"I’m just very proud to be able to work with someone that good," he said. "A proper example of someone who never gave up this season, even through the difficult times."
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