Verstappen issues ‘not realistic’ assessment of F1 title chances

Max Verstappen has insisted it is “not realistic” for Red Bull to win the F1 titles with the RB20 in its current performance window.

A difficult Italian Grand Prix saw Red Bull finish sixth and eighth with Verstappen and Sergio Perez respectively, while its closest rivals McLaren scored a double-podium finish.

The major points swing in McLaren’s favour allowed it to narrow the gap to Red Bull in the constructors’ standings to just eight points.

Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship now sits at 62 points over Lando Norris.

Red Bull has suffered a backwards step at recent events with its on-track performance, with Verstappen describing the car as a “monster”.

When asked by media including RacingNews365 how realistic it is to win the constructors’ standings this year, Verstappen replied: “At the moment, both championships are unrealistic.”

Charles Leclerc took victory at Monza, stealing crucial championship points from McLaren, who has largely been Red Bull’s closest challenger this year.

The Dutchman was queried if he saw the Leclerc winning as damage limitation in the championship fight, to which he said: “In a way yes, but that’s not how I like to look at the championship.

“We have to go from our own fortunes. Today, and the whole weekend, has been very bad.”