AUGUST 26, 2026

Monza may offer Verstappen one last opening

Red Bull's straight-line efficiency could make Max Verstappen a surprise Italian Grand Prix contender despite the team's Zandvoort struggles.

Red Bull's performance at Zandvoort provided little reason for celebration, but Christijan Albers believes Monza could produce a rather different picture.

The former Formula 1 driver argues that the Italian circuit will hide some of the RB22's weaknesses while rewarding its efficiency on the straights. Red Bull has struggled more in sustained medium- and high-speed corners, features that play a smaller role at Monza than at many modern circuits.

They're good with low drag, so they can be competitive there, Albers told De Telegraaf. I think this may be the surprise of the season.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli is also expected to take an engine-related penalty, potentially removing one obstacle from Max Verstappen's path.

Albers believes Ferrari and McLaren may find Monza less comfortable than the flowing venues at which their cars have recently excelled. That combination could give Verstappen an opportunity to steal a victory before the championship settles into a more conventional pattern.

His longer-term assessment is less encouraging for Red Bull.

After that, it's over, Albers said, predicting that the title fight will eventually reduce to Antonelli and Norris.

Norris remains fourth in the standings, 83 points behind Antonelli, but consecutive victories have revived both McLaren's season and the defending champion's hopes. Albers believes that momentum could ultimately carry Norris to a second title.

Monza predictions are always vulnerable to the realities of braking stability, kerb behaviour and tyre degradation. A low-drag car is useful there, but it is not the whole equation.

Even so, the circuit represents a plausible opportunity for Red Bull. If Verstappen is to disrupt the developing Antonelli-Norris contest, this may be the weekend on which the machinery gives him the best chance.