Max Verstappen expressed frustration with his performance during the qualifying session for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, describing it as “really bad.” Despite being the reigning world champion and consistently dominant throughout the season, Verstappen struggled to find the right balance and pace on the track, leading to a disappointing grid position.
Verstappen’s dissatisfaction was evident as he struggled to pinpoint the exact cause of his underperformance. He noted that the car’s handling was not up to the usual standard, and his attempts to address the issues during the session were unsuccessful. “I don’t really understand what happened,” Verstappen admitted, reflecting his confusion and disappointment with the session.
Team Principal Christian Horner also voiced concerns about the performance, acknowledging that there were significant issues that needed addressing. “Clearly, something isn’t working,” Horner said, emphasizing that the team needed to investigate and rectify the problems before the race. He pointed out that while the car’s performance had been strong in previous races, something had gone awry in Monza.
The Red Bull Racing team, which has been a dominant force in Formula 1 this season, faces a critical moment as they work to resolve the issues that affected Verstappen’s qualifying performance. The team will need to analyze data and make necessary adjustments to ensure a more competitive showing in the race. The situation underscores the challenges teams face in maintaining peak performance throughout the season and adapting to different tracks and conditions.