Max Verstappen Calls Monza 'Treacherous' as Red Bull Upgrades Show Promise

Max Verstappen described the opening day of the Italian Grand Prix as having "treacherous" sessions. He cited numerous cars leaving the track and scattering gravel as the main issue.

Why it matters:

Red Bull entered Monza with difficult memories of last season's event, where Verstappen famously called the car an "undrivable monster." This year, however, major upgrades have transformed their outlook, significantly boosting their chances for a strong weekend.

The details:

• Verstappen finished sixth in FP2, less than two-tenths of a second behind pacesetter Lando Norris, indicating strong underlying pace despite the traffic and conditions.
• He expressed satisfaction with the RB21, stating, "We are a bit more competitive and I am reasonably happy with the car."
• Red Bull introduced a significant upgrade package for Monza, including a new floor and front wing, which appears to be a success based on Verstappen's initial feedback.
• Both Ferrari and Red Bull seem to be in contention with McLaren, although McLaren's true performance might still be hidden.

What's next:

With the upgrades performing well, Verstappen is now focused on maximizing performance in Saturday's qualifying session, aiming for a strong starting position.