Max Verstappen Credits Improved Red Bull Balance for Dominant Monza Victory

Max Verstappen dominated the Italian Grand Prix, clinching his third win of the season, and attributed his crushing victory to a significant improvement in his Red Bull car's balance. This breakthrough, stemming from a new floor upgrade for the RB20, eliminated the feeling of being a "passenger" and allowed him to dictate the race.

Why it matters:

This commanding performance at Monza signals a crucial step forward for Red Bull, suggesting a potential return to consistent winning form after previous struggles with the car's balance. While a fifth consecutive championship is out of reach for Verstappen this season, the upgrade offers hope for more victories.

The details:

• Verstappen highlighted that the RB20's significantly improved balance made it "not… Well, before it felt like you were a passenger in the car."
• He noted the tyres also "behaved a little bit more normal" with the enhanced stability.
• This is a stark contrast to the "monster" RB20 he described at Monza last year, where he finished over half a minute behind the winner.
• The race started frenetically, with Verstappen temporarily ceding the lead to Lando Norris, but he quickly regained control, securing his 66th F1 career victory.

What's next:

Red Bull will aim to replicate this improved performance in upcoming races, suggesting that despite the championship deficit, Verstappen could challenge for more wins as the season progresses.