Max Verstappen arrives at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian GP without making predictions about Red Bull’s performance in Monza. After a difficult weekend in the Netherlands, the four-time world champion points to the need to find the ideal balance of the RB22 as the main task for the Italian round.
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Before retiring in Zandvoort, the driver had achieved two consecutive third places, in Belgium and Hungary, and hoped to extend the streak precisely in his home race. The expectation, however, was frustrated right on the first lap: Verstappen spun and hit the barrier hard, prematurely ending his participation.
” Not being able to finish the race in Zandvoort was disappointing,” said Verstappen. “But it was still very special to see the fans at the circuit for the last time and thank them for all the memories.”
The visit to Monza offers the Dutchman an opportunity to react. Verstappen has already won the Italian Grand Prix three times at the circuit, including last year’s edition, when he was also closing the gap to McLaren in the championship fight. Even with this favorable history, the driver prefers not to set a prediction for the Italian round.
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For Verstappen, performance will mainly depend on Red Bull’s ability to put the car in a competitive operating range: “We are going to Monza after a reset, and it is difficult to predict how competitive we will be there,” he said. “There are a few things we need to work on to get a little closer to the pace and ensure the car’s balance is right.”
“Monza is one of my favorite tracks, and I like the fact that it is an old and fast circuit; I always enjoy coming here and seeing the passionate fans. It is a track where we have usually performed well before, so let’s wait and see what is possible.”
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