Max Verstappen delivered a surprise win at the Italian Grand Prix, breaking Michael Schumacher’s long-standing record and adding another chapter to his remarkable season.
The Dutch driver set the fastest-ever time for a Grand Prix, beating Schumacher’s 2003 mark by about a minute. He also posted the quickest average speed in qualifying, underlining Red Bull’s return to form.
Red Bull took what they learned from Zandvoort and put it to good use at Monza. Team boss Laurent Mekies was praised for his practical approach by Verstappen, who said it played a big role in their weekend success.
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Lando Norris finished 19 seconds back from Verstappen. While some of that gap came down to strategy – waiting on a safety car that never came – it also pointed to where McLaren’s strengths lie this season.
Speaking on Pelas Pistas, Nelson Piquet Jr suggested Monza had revealed one of the MCL39’s secrets. His comments may help put some of Red Bull’s suspicions about McLaren into perspective.
Red Bull’s suspicions put into context by McLaren’s Monza strength
McLaren had already faced scrutiny from Red Bull earlier in the season, with much of the focus on their brake systems, which were cleared by the FIA. But after what happened at Monza, Nelson Piquet Jr pointed out a different area where McLaren are strong.
Piquet Jr spoke about how Red Bull’s power was always going to be a better fit for Monza and how Lando Norris’ podium finish exposed some of Red Bull’s earlier concerns.
“We never expected that, right? Red Bull is doing so well. It was clear that the Red Bull car was better this weekend, but it’s a totally different configuration from the other tracks. Just straights, there are a few long radius curves, so it’s a very atypical track,” Piquet Jr said.
“I think the whole issue is that when you get into a more technical part, with these tracks like Austria and more traditional tracks that heat up the tyres a lot, everyone has a problem heating up the tyres. That’s why there were stories of water inside the tyre to try and cool so it lasts longer.
“Monza isn’t a track that heats up the tyres very much, so this is the advantage that McLaren has. The big secret is that they can push harder without overheating the tyres, and Monza doesn’t have it – that’s why it was better for Red Bull.”
Will Red Bull’s strong showing continue through the final stretch?
Ruth Buscombe, a former F1 strategist, pointed out that Verstappen’s pole lap at Monza was helped by the low-drag rear wing that first appeared at Spa-Francorchamps. That setup is expected to stay on the car for several races going forward.
Red Bull’s win at Monza could be a promising sign for their chances on circuits that favour lower downforce, including Azerbaijan, Mexico and the US Grand Prix.
Verstappen has good form at these venues and might be able to take advantage if Red Bull avoid grid penalties on Saturdays.
While Monza marked a shift in momentum for Red Bull, McLaren’s strengths aren’t likely to disappear. They should remain competitive across most of the remaining calendar.
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