Red Bull set 'ultimate speed' target after Max Verstappen heroics

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has set the Austrian marque the target of finding "that ultimate speed", something he feels it is lacking despite Max Verstappen's heroic Monza podium.

The Dutchman started the Italian Grand Prix from fifth and quickly worked his way towards the front, overtaking Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly in rapid fashion.

Verstappen's early-race pace was impressive, with the four-time world champion even briefly taking the lead after passing George Russell.

However, the 28-year-old quickly fell back behind Russell and then Kimi Antonelli, who charged through the field to win from 19th on the grid.

A mid-race pit stop for fresh tyres dropped Verstappen to seventh, although he worked his way back through the field to claim an impressive third-place podium finish.

It was the best on offer for the Red Bull star, with Mercedes simply having a pace advantage that he could not compete with throughout the race.

Mekies was in awe of what Verstappen achieved and hopes that finding better car speed will improve the team's overall performance.

"It was a well-deserved podium for Max and the whole team," said Mekies. "It was an intense weekend, but the race showed that our pace was fairly strong. 

"Mercedes was a bit too fast for us but we were strong enough to beat Ferrari and McLaren on merits. It was probably our best race pace in a few weeks and a step in the right direction. 

"We won't be happy until we have that ultimate speed and we clearly still have some challenges to overcome, which may unlock more performance once we get to the bottom of them.

"Max has been incredible on track. He made several very spectacular overtakes and defensive manoeuvres and drove an aggressive strategy which led us to the podium."