Max Verstappen with a new team-mate at Monza: “It’s hard to predict…”

Following his bitter crash-induced retirement from his home race at Zandvoort, Max Verstappen is ready to go on the attack again! The Dutch Grand Prix came to an end for him after just a few kilometres following a crash on a wet track. Ahead of the race at Monza, Verstappen now says: “It was disappointing not to be able to finish the race at Zandvoort, but it was still something very special to see the fans at the circuit one last time and to thank them for all the memories.” It was the last Dutch Grand Prix for the foreseeable future; Zandvoort will no longer feature on the calendar.

Red Bull Racing has a few things to work on

What can he and his Red Bull Racing team expect now, two weeks later, at Monza? Racing will take place from Friday to Sunday on the high-speed circuit in northern Italy. Verstappen: “It’s hard to predict how competitive we’ll be there. There are a few things we need to work on to get a bit closer to the pace and ensure the car’s balance is right.”

In general, however, Verstappen is looking forward to the Autodromo Nazionale: “Monza is one of my favourite circuits, and I like the fact that it’s an old-school, fast track. I’m always looking forward to seeing the passionate fans. It’s a circuit where we’ve usually done well in the past, so we’ll wait and see what’s possible.”

Lawson once again Verstappen’s team-mate at Monza

At Monza, Verstappen will once again have a different team-mate by his side than has been the norm this season: Isack Hadjar is still struggling with his wrist injury, and the Frenchman will miss another race. As was the case at Zandvoort two weeks ago, he will be replaced by Liam Lawson, who is moving up from Racing Bulls.

The New Zealander said: “It’s good to hear that Isack is recovering and will soon be back in the car. But it’s brilliant to spend another weekend with the team. Zandvoort gave me a really useful first impression of the car, and now that I’ve completed a full Sprint weekend, I’m heading to Monza with a much better understanding of the car and its capabilities.”

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Lawson also notes, however, that Zandvoort and Monza could hardly be more different: “It’s a completely different circuit, and there will be new challenges, but I’m looking forward to building on last weekend with the team and seeing what we can achieve.”