Max Verstappen, the dominant force in Formula 1 over the last few years, faces a controversial image as the “villain of the paddock,” a perception challenged by one of his closest allies. His race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, recently spoke out ahead of the 2026 season, offering a rare glimpse into Verstappen’s character beyond the track while addressing the ongoing debate around his reputation in the paddock.
Since winning four consecutive world championships from 2021 through 2024, Verstappen has rewritten multiple F1 records, most notably in 2023 when he secured victory in 19 of 22 races. Despite his success, his aggressive driving style has drawn criticism, particularly following clashes with leading rivals such as Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, sharpening his “villain” label among fans and opponents alike.
Examining Verstappen’s Controversial Track Persona
Though Verstappen’s dominance is unquestioned, his tactics during races have sparked heated debates. The incidents in the 2021 and 2024 seasons, including collisions with Hamilton and Norris, contributed heavily to his polarizing image. Even away from championship contention in 2025, Verstappen attracted penalties, such as one for a crash involving George Russell’s Mercedes, intensifying the scrutiny.
This negative perception during race weekends contrasts with the portrayal presented by Lambiase, who shared insights in a video celebrating Verstappen’s 200th Grand Prix weekend with Red Bull. Lambiase described Verstappen as a sincere and gentle individual, emphasizing the difference between his off-track personality and his fierce racing style.
You know, here at the track, Max, he’s portrayed as the villain of the paddock, but away from the track, he is the complete opposite,
Lambiase said.
He added that Verstappen is
“the most sincere, gentle giant and a very likeable character,”
concluding with,
I consider him a top friend.
—Gianpiero Lambiase, Race Engineer
Verstappen’s Future at Red Bull and the 2026 Season Prospects
Amid ongoing discussions about Verstappen’s image, Red Bull confirmed the Dutch driver will remain with the team for the 2026 season. This announcement came despite a challenging 2025 campaign, where Verstappen managed only two wins in the first 14 races and trailed championship leader Oscar Piastri by 97 points.
The upcoming season promises significant changes throughout the grid, with new regulations set to reshape competition. Red Bull is also entering a major transition period, launching a new power unit in partnership with Ford after ending its deal with Honda. This technical overhaul will test Red Bull’s ability to deliver a car capable of supporting Verstappen’s continued championship ambitions.
Compounding the challenge, Red Bull recently appointed Laurent Mekies as the new team principal following the departure of Christian Horner, who led the team for two decades. These leadership and technical shifts place added pressure on the team to maintain its competitive edge and convince Verstappen they can provide a championship-caliber car for next year.
If Red Bull fails to meet Verstappen’s expectations under the new regulations, the star driver may consider opportunities with other teams for the 2027 season, illustrating the high stakes involved in this transitional phase.