Max Verstappen arrives at the Italian Grand Prix of Formula 1 after a disappointing weekend in Zandvoort, but admits he still does not know how competitive Red Bull Racing will be in Monza. The Dutchman states that the team needs to find more performance and correct the car’s balance.
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After retiring from his home race right on the first lap, after spinning alone and crashing hard into the barrier, Verstappen highlighted that the moment served as an opportunity to end his participation on the circuit in front of the fans. Now, after a recovery period, the driver hopes that Red Bull can get closer to the pace of the rivals.
“It is difficult to predict how competitive we will be. There are some things we need to work on to get a little closer to the pace and ensure the car’s balance is correct,” Verstappen said.
Despite doubts about performance, the four-time world champion maintains a special relationship with the Italian circuit: “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,” he added.
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Liam Lawson, in turn, arrives in Monza with a better reference on the car’s behavior after his first participation with the team this year, replacing the still injured Isack Hadjar at the Dutch GP. The New Zealander will replace Hadjar again and said he is pleased to have another weekend with the team.
“Zandvoort gave me a very useful first reference in the car, and having a full weekend with the Sprint format means I arrive in Monza with a much better understanding of the car and what I need from it. It is a completely different track and there will be new challenges, but I am looking forward to continuing the work from last weekend with the team and seeing what we can do,” he concluded.
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