Max Verstappen makes bizarre Red Bull 'turtle' comparison after Monza pain

Max Verstappen bizarrely compared his Red Bull's straight-line speed to a "turtle" following the Italian Grand Prix after struggling against the Mercedes-powered cars.

The four-time world champion delivered a strong display to convert fifth on the grid into third, marking his fifth podium finish of the campaign.

Verstappen briefly led in Monza after overtaking George Russell early on, but was easily re-passed by the Briton and then eventual race winner Kimi Antonelli.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old kept the Ferraris and McLarens behind and was exceptional on the brakes, overtaking several cars around the outside of corners.

It is what the Dutchman had to do due to Red Bull struggling for top speed, something that saw Verstappen overtaken with ease at times.

Asked how he was able to enjoy the race while weak in a straight line, Verstappen replied: "Yeah, I mean, to be honest, not a lot when people just drive by you like you’re a turtle. 

"But, yeah, just send it back around the outside. The car is good on the brakes, so that helps, so good confidence to attack the braking zones. 

"And two times in the start I managed to do that in Turn 2 and 4. So, yeah, I mean, it is enjoyable, but at the same time frustrating, you know. But I just try to maximise everything that I can."

The Italian GP was made more difficult for Verstappen due to the reappearance of his rear axle problem, something Red Bull's star driver complained about on several occasions throughout the event.

Discussing if his rear axle issue was present in the race, Verstappen explained: "Yeah, it’s still there. I mean, nothing changed. It’s just not good. 

"Yeah, you struggle on the bumps, the kerbs, in the low-speed especially. It’s still like the rear axle is just not very compliant. So, for sure, it was not ideal again and costing performance, but it’s what it is."