Verstappen and Marko give verdict on Gianpiero Lambiase replacement at Austria GP

Max Verstappen's long-term race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase is absent from the Austrian Grand Prix

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has addressed the replacement of Max Verstappen's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase for this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

The four-time Formula 1 champion's race engineer will be absent at the Red Bull Ring due to personal circumstances. As a result, Simon Rennie, who has been with the Milton Keynes outfit since 2013 and served as race engineer for Mark Webber and Daniel Ricciardo, will step into the role for the weekend.

Marko claimed that Rennie is "as sharp as he was in his old days" when asked if he thinks the change will impact Verstappen's performance at the team's home race.

"I mean, when he was [race] engineering the last time [with Albon], if I remember correctly, and he was working in the meanwhile on the simulators, but he came back and he is as sharp as he was in his old days," Marko explained to Motorsport.com and other media.

He added, "It's a very direct relationship and it's working very well so far."

Verstappen was also quizzed on the change. The Dutchman has formed a strong relationship with Lambiase over the years, with the pair securing his four world championships together. However, he was optimistic about working with Rennie who he has partnered closely with previously.

"That's how it is now," Verstappen explained. "I think so far today has been really good with Simon.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images

"Of course, I've known Simon for a long time on the other side of the garage and I'm working with him also in the simulator. And, you know, he has a lot of experience anyway. So, it's been actually very, very good today.

"Yeah, he was straight on it and it was nice."

The first day of practice has come to an end. Verstappen placed second on the timesheets in FP1, 0.065 seconds behind Mercedes' George Russell. FP2 saw the Red Bull driver go third-fastest behind the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Red Bull has confirmed that they expect Lambiase to return to his role for the British Grand Prix next week.