Max Verstappen showcased a perfect performance at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, winning for the third time this season. Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies lauded the four-time World Champion’s drive as “perfection” after Verstappen stormed to victory at Monza, marking his first win under Mekies’ leadership.
Starting from pole at the Temple of Speed, Verstappen was tipped to have a challenging race, especially with the strong race pace of McLaren. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been particularly strong on Sundays, especially in hot conditions, which made Red Bull cautious about the challenge ahead.
Red Bull’s Unexpected Pace Advantage
However, Verstappen defied expectations and dominated the race, leaving Mekies thoroughly impressed.
“Max did just a perfection, perfect weekend,” Mekies said. “Such a strong weekend, it put us there. We were not anticipating to have a pace advantage in the race, but it turned out to be the case.”
Despite the team’s cautious approach and plans to defend against McLaren, Verstappen outpaced his rivals by a substantial 19 seconds. Mekies reflected on last year’s disappointing results at Monza, where Verstappen finished sixth, and noted how Red Bull’s off-season improvements had paid off.
“So last year was a very difficult point and the guys did an amazing job analysing last year, coming here with a very specific solution, and it seems like they have overshot the target,” Mekies joked. “Meaning the car was actually in a much better window compared to the other tracks.”
Verstappen’s Collaboration with Engineers Key to Success
A key factor in Verstappen’s success was the team’s adjustment to the car’s setup. Mekies explained how the engineers found a way to lower the car, and how Verstappen worked closely with them to fine-tune the balance.
“Obviously, the [rear] wing is working well,” Mekies added. “Max has been very strong and good at pushing us to keep it on the car and to find other solutions.”
However, the race wasn’t without its tense moments. Verstappen made an early mistake by cutting the chicane on the opening lap, leading the team to ask him to give the lead back to Norris. Verstappen complied but cleverly stayed within DRS range, eventually regaining the lead.
Mekies praised the pit wall’s decision, noting the challenge of making such a call without knowing whether the pace advantage would materialize. “I think it’s always a case-by-case basis,” Mekies said. “The guys on the pit wall did a very good job at making their own assumption of the situation.”
Max Verstappen’s third win of the 2025 season at Monza exemplified his outstanding driving skills and Red Bull’s continuous development. As Mekies put it, Verstappen’s performance was a clear sign of the team’s growth: “Max has been unbelievable in being able to attack back Lando and pass him.”
With this victory, Verstappen continues to assert his dominance in the 2025 Formula 1 season, with Red Bull now more confident than ever in their race pace and future prospects.
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