‘Silence them’… Gianpiero Lambiase’s unbroadcast radio message to Max Verstappen at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen felt he demolished his critics with his incredible victory at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix last weekend. Verstappen came from 17th on the grid to win for the first time since June’s Spanish GP.

His drought had reached 10 races, and looked almost certain to continue when an unfortunate Q2 exit combined with an engine penalty left him 17th on the grid. Lando Norris had a chance to ignite the Formula 1 title race.

As it was, Verstappen produced a truly remarkable comeback drive to win ahead of Alpine duo Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. It was reminiscent of his 2016 charge from 16th to third.

He overtook almost everyone ahead in another masterful wet-weather performance. He didn’t have to pass Norris, or early leader George Russell, because they pitted shortly before a red flag.

While there was an element of fortune in Verstappen’s win, he’ll view this as payback for the events of Sunday morning. And there was no denying he was the class of the field during the race.

Thursday’s media day had been dominated by discussion about Verstappen’s driving style. This was after he received two 10-second penalties for incidents with Lando Norris at the Mexico City GP.

Gianpiero Lambiase told Max Verstappen ‘that is how’ to address critics after Brazilian Grand Prix

In an unbroadcast team radio message after the chequered flag, Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase made a clear reference to the post-Mexico backlash. He felt that the three-time world champion had done his talking on the track.

Lambiase said: “And that is how we silence them.”

Verstappen replied: “Exactly.”

Speaking in the post-race press conference, he said ‘I don’t see any British press’. Verstappen had claimed he had the ‘wrong passport’ for the F1 paddock, heavily implying that his British counterparts receive preferential treatment from the dominant English-speaking media.

The 27-year-old now leads the championship by 62 points, with 86 on offer before the end of the season. He can seal the title if he finishes ahead of Norris in Las Vegas.

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Verstappen has received praise from both of his fellow world champions after his achievement. 17th was the joint-fourth lowest starting position for a Grand Prix winner in F1 history.

Lewis Hamilton called Verstappen’s drive ‘amazing’ and offered his congratulations. This was especially notable given the intensity of their rivalry during the 2021 season.

Similarly, Fernando Alonso called it a ‘fantastic’ display. He recently lost his share of fourth place on the all-time podium list to Verstappen (111 vs 106).

Verstappen replied ‘thank you legend’, highlighting the mutual respect between the two. He can now enjoy the three-week break, while Norris will no doubt be in a rueful mood.