Verstappen tempers solution expectations for Red Bull ‘monster’

Max Verstappen has tempered expectations that Red Bull will has found a solution to prevent its “monster” from rearing its ugly head again during this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Verstappen used the word to describe his RB20 following a miserable Italian Grand Prix which saw the disconnected balance of the car result in the team being only the fourth-quickest around Monza.

From a lowly seventh on the grid, Verstappen finished sixth, resulting in his lead in the drivers’ championship being cut to 62 points over Lando Norris, who is to be prioritised by McLaren over team-mate Oscar Piastri over the remaining eight grands prix.

Going into a tough street circuit double-header, with Baku followed by Singapore next weekend, Verstappen is not expecting Red Bull to have made considerable strides in such a short period since the Italian GP, although a ‘patchwork’ new floor will be on the car.

“We still have a lot of work to do,” said Verstappen, speaking to media, including RacingNews365. “I do think that, in a way, Monza was positive to learn more about the car, and now it just takes time to make the car better and to understand our weaknesses.

“I think we did. Now it’s about trying to find solutions for it. I also noted that it’s not coming within one or two weeks from when you understand your problems.

“But I hope that from now onwards we can just look ahead and try to be better, and not like at Monza.”

Following his disappointing result and performance in Monza, a bitterly frustrated Verstappen suggested neither title was realistic if Red Bull failed to find a solution to halt its decline.

Remarkably, following his period of dominance, Verstappen is on run of six races without a victory, his worst drought since 2020.

Asked whether he still maintained his view on the championship picture with time to cool down and reflect, he remained unwavering.

“If we perform like at Monza, it’s not realistic.” insisted Verstappen. “We definitely need to be better than what we have been delivering lately.”

Even assessing the eight remaining tracks, Verstappen further dismissed the suggestion some would be better for his car.

“Again, if the balance is like Monza, not!” he declared. “But I also know we can do a better job in general, and if we understand our problems, if we can find a better balance with the car, then naturally we’ll be more competitive.

“But if more competitive is enough, I don’t know.”