Max Verstappen pinpoints Red Bull 'passenger' change as key to crushing victory

Max Verstappen has explained that no longer feeling like a "passenger" in his Red Bull was critical to his dominant win at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman highlighted the significantly improved balance of his car as a crucial factor in beating the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri at Monza, an unexpected development following the introduction of a new floor to the RB21.

Having romped home to a near-20-second win at the Temple of Speed, Verstappen explained that the overall package was more compliant.

That is in stark contrast to the "monster" RB20 he experienced at the same venue 12 months ago, on an afternoon he finished over half a minute behind race winner Charles Leclerc.

Those difficulties have persisted this season, but the latest upgrade appears to have been a breakthrough for the Milton Keynes-based team, with the four-time F1 drivers' champion immediately capitalising on the update.

"That it's just not… Well, before it felt like you were a passenger in the car," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365, when asked what stood out about the RB21 at Monza.

"We had some races where it was just not balanced. And now, finally, there was more balance in the car and then the tyres also behaved a little bit more normal."

Verstappen: 'From there onwards it was fine'

It was Verstappen's 66th victory of his F1 career, but just his third of the season. At 94 points adrift of Piastri in the drivers' standings, it is all but certain he will not claim a fifth consecutive championship.

However, more wins may follow if he can replicate the same form and performance he produced in the Red Bull in Italy.

Reflecting on the race, he highlighted how frenetic the opening phase was. After handing the lead to Norris to avoid an investigation and potential penalty for his defence in the first corner, the 27-year-old regained the advantage a few laps later. From there, his assured victory never looked in doubt.

"There was a lot going on after the first lap, even into Turn 1," he said. I think Oscar and Charles [Leclerc] were fighting as well. I could see in my mirror. So it took two, three laps to settle in a bit, and then from there onwards it was fine."
 
When asked how confident he was after his decisive pass for the lead, he added: "You don't know. I mean, of course, you are pushing a bit to try and get ahead and then time will tell, right, in that stint, if it was going to hang on or not. But after a few laps, it looked like it was going really well."