Red Bull explain Max Verstappen ‘crocodile’ treatment in ‘yes-man’ warning

Max Verstappen's F1 race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, has
explained the unusual "crocodile" problem he faces during grands
prix. Verstappen and Lambiase have worked together since Verstappen
was promoted to the senior team in 2016, with the two forging one
of the most iconic driver-engineer partnerships in F1 history.  The
pair are renowned for their robust exchanges over the team radio,
with Lambiase often giving short shrift to any complaint Verstappen
has. However, explaining how he navigates Verstappen's bite,
Lambiase has detailed how he is often navigating tricky waters with
Crocodiles. "You’re on a boat down a river, and you’re surrounded
by a whole load of  crocodiles," Lambiase told the Wall Street
Journal .  "You’re dealing with the closest crocodile to the boat.
That’s all we’re doing.  "You have to do what is right for the team
and driver at the time, and if you start being concerned about what
you’re saying, then I think you’re lost in showbiz. "You're his
complete circle of friends in one: a dad, a sports psychologist,
best friend, worst enemy, everything.  "He’s very straightforward,
blunt and honest, but he expects that similar  level of treatment
back. "If you try to pander to him, wrap him in cotton wool, and
try to be his best mate and be that yes-man, you will lose him
within months."