Max Verstappen determined to find Red Bull’s ‘missing speed’ amidst Lando Norris’ Championship threat

Max Verstappen ended his Free Practice 2 session in Monza with an utterly disappointing fourteenth place finish.

Max Verstappen determined to find Red Bull’s ‘missing speed’ amidst Lando Norris’ Championship threat

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has surprisingly been on a downward trajectory for quite some time. The Dutch GP weekend was a huge low where he lost out to McLaren’s Lando Norris by a margin of 22.9 seconds. As things stand, the former is only 70 points ahead of Norris in the standings.

The reigning world champion did not have the smoothest Friday runnings in Monza, and after the sessions, he blatantly admitted to lacking speed. In his opinion, the RB20 currently does not have the pace to challenge around the free-flowing Monza circuit.

YouTube video

Max Verstappen specifically deemed Sector 1 as the area where his team was massively losing out to rivals.

FS Video
The kerbs have clearly become flatter. Last year that was a handicap for us, despite winning everything. The high temperatures also suit us, although I think during the weekend the grip will improve. We are actually missing speed, especially in sector 1. If we can minimise that, I think we can perform quite well.
Max Verstappen via Sky Sports Germany

Verstappen ended the FP1 session on top of the timing sheet with a 1:21:676. However, the prolific Dutchman slipped massively backward in Free Practice 2 as he ended his outing in fourteenth place behind Williams driver, Alex Albon.

RELATED
Oscar Piastri insists he’ll try his best to ‘win driver’s championship’ amidst Lando Norris’ pursuit of Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri

Max Verstappen eyeing a ‘positive’ outing for Red Bull in Monza

The Red Bull F1 team has had a lot on its plate during the ongoing campaign. From backroom drama to losing out in terms of performance to rivals, the team has had quite a ride. However, despite the issues, Max Verstappen is keeping a positive outlook.

Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)
The track has become faster with each lap. But the balance has clearly improved and that is what we were looking for. You have to consider the weight of the different cars, but I think we have improved and the car is more predictable. If we keep making good steps now, I'll be positive.
Max Verstappen via the same interview

Verstappen has managed to amass seven Grand Prix wins during the ongoing season. He is trying his best to keep Red Bull at the top, but there is a limit to what he can do singlehandedly. keeping this in view, Christian Horner and Co. will have to step up their game with the RB20. In Monza, FP3 could make or break Red Bull’s chances of finding the best setup for the immensely crucial qualifying session.

In case you missed it: