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The Rollercoaster of Emotions at Monza
Max Verstappen’s experience following the Monza race was nothing short of tumultuous. Labeling the Red Bull RB20 an ‘unmanageable monster’ at the start of September, Verstappen found himself at a crossroads filled with despair. However, his fortunes appeared to shift dramatically during the Austin races, showcasing a remarkable turnaround. What was once a beastly car has once again become a reliable companion. “A race car can never achieve perfection,” he stated, highlighting the intricate relationship between driver and machine.
A Race of Missed Opportunities
The stakes were high for Verstappen as he entered the last qualifying session, clocking in faster than rival Lando Norris, .comy to have his momentum cut short by George Russell’s late crash. This incident handed pole position to his British counterpart, a disappointing outcome for the reigning champion. “I missed my apex in turn 19 on my first lap. Normally, there’s a chance for a reset, but not today,” he reflected on the missed opportunity. “It’s unfortunate, but such things happen in racing,” he added, with his trademark sportsmanship.
Promising Developments Amidst Challenges
Despite this setback, Saturday was largely a success for Verstappen, especially considering his dominant sprint victory earlier that day at a Grand Prix he had won for the past three years. The renewed competitiveness of the RB20 in qualifying brought him a sigh of relief upon arriving in America. “It’s been ages since we had such a strong Friday and Saturday. Honestly, I can’t even recall the last time we did,” he remarked.
Thanks to several crucial modifications—including adjustments to the car’s floor—the RB20 seemed rejuvenated. Verstappen described the vehicle’s performance in high-speed corners, which the Circuit of the Americas is renowned for, as “very good.” “The balance issues that restricted our cornering ability have improved significantly, but there are still areas I want to enhance. Overall, the vibe is much more promising,” he acknowledged.
Reflections and Future Outlook
After finishing sixth in Monza, Verstappen and his team gained clarity on the problems that had plagued their performance and how they could formulate solutions moving forward. “A race car can never be flawless, nor can a driver, but we are definitely headed in the right direction,” he asserted, expressing his contentment with the recent adjustments. The four-week hiatus following the Singapore Grand Prix proved timely for a much-needed reset, as Verstappen recognized the necessity for re-evaluation. “The break allowed for additional development since prior plans were scrapped,” he explained.
With excitement building for his first encounter with the ‘improved version’ of the RB20 in Austin, Verstappen conveyed an initial detachment from the car’s performance, having chosen to focus his efforts on providing constructive feedback rather than emotional investment. “In recent weeks and months, I have shared my sentiments regarding the car with the team,” he said. Now, as the car’s issues seem to be resolved just in time, he approaches the final stretch of the championship with renewed confidence, aspiring for his fourth world title. “I’d say the odds are still fifty-fifty, and I won’t underestimate Lando Norris’s capabilities,” he noted. “I believe in my skills; we must focus on our performance as a team. This has been a significant step forward. We’re on the front row for the start, and we have the potential to battle it out. The race will reveal everything.”
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