Red Bull strength identified after Max Verstappen dominates ‘without any trick’

Former F1 driver Jean Alesi has identified a key strength which enabled Max Verstappen to dominate the Italian Grand Prix "without any trick".

The four-time world champion comfortably converted pole position into victory at Monza, finishing almost 20 seconds ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. 

It was a record-breaking performance from Verstappen, who set the quickest lap in F1 history based on average speed to secure pole, before completing the Italian GP in just over 73 minutes. 

The win marked the Dutchman's third of the year and his first since Imola, with Red Bull having made major progress at Monza. 

A new floor was fitted to Verstappen's car which delivered better performance than expected, making the RB21 much more balanced and to the 27-year-old's liking.

Alesi was not surprised to see Verstappen win so comfortably given he managed his pole lap without a tow, and continued to show great pace in the race on blistered tyres.

Asked by RacingNews365 if he expected Verstappen to be so strong, Alesi responded: "Yes, because the qualifying lap he did was alone, without the tow, without any trick. 

"So that means he had very good balance. In the middle of the race we saw some blistering on the front tyres, and he was still fast. So then I said, 'Okay, no problem.'"

Verstappen's victory ended a five-race winning streak for McLaren, who for much of the season have boasted the quickest package at the majority of circuits. 

That was not the case in Italy, with Alesi putting it down to the improved balance of the Red Bull.

"They [McLaren] have been the favourite every race so far," added Alesi. "But Monza, the characteristic is that you are without a normal rear wing, you have a very low rear wing level. 

"I think the balance of the Red Bull was very good."