Bortoleto Expresses Disbelief at Max Verstappen's Monza Dominance

Max Verstappen's commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix, with a remarkable 20-second lead over the McLaren duo, continues to be a major talking point. This dominant performance left many, including fellow driver Gabriel Bortoleto, in awe.

Why it matters

Verstappen's win at Monza wasn't just another victory; it was a masterclass in driver skill combined with an impeccably tuned car, solidifying his reputation as one of F1's all-time greats. The scale of his advantage over the competition underscores his current dominance in the sport.

The details

• Optimized Setup: Unlike the previous year, Verstappen's RB21 was perfectly dialed in, utilizing an extreme aerodynamic setup with a trimmed rear wing.
• Strategic Preparation: Crucial simulator work between Friday and Saturday at Milton Keynes helped him find the ideal balance, allowing him to secure pole position against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Race Domination: After overtaking Norris at Turn 1 early in the race, the four-time world champion rapidly extended his lead, demonstrating an unmatchable race pace.
• Victory Margin: Verstappen crossed the finish line 19 seconds ahead of Norris and 21 seconds clear of Piastri, who finished third after a team-mandated position swap.

Reactions to Greatness

The sheer dominance prompted widespread admiration. Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg lauded Verstappen on Saturday, stating, "We know he is one of the five greatest F1 drivers of all time. Drives like today just prove that. It’s unbelievable what he’s able to do.”

Gabriel Bortoleto, upon hearing the news of Verstappen’s victory from his race engineer, reacted with genuine disbelief over the radio: "Holy s*it. Max won? That's insane, this guy."