News Summary
- Max Verstappen said Red Bull could not match Mercedes-powered cars in energy deployment during the Italian GP.
- The Dutchman explained that once rivals could stay within Overtake Mode range, defending became extremely difficult, even on fresh tyres.
- Verstappen finished third at Monza for his fifth podium of the 2026 F1 season after briefly leading the race.
Max Verstappen briefly took the lead in the Italian GP, but ultimately had to settle for third on Sunday (September 6). The four-time world champion said Red Bull could not match the energy deployment of the two Mercedes cars and joked that he was passed “like a turtle” on Monza’s straights. He also explained how the combination of Red Bull’s deployment deficit and Overtake Mode made defending his position particularly difficult.
Starting fifth, Verstappen made a strong getaway and avoided trouble in the opening metres before quickly establishing himself as a contender for the podium. The #3 Red Bull even led for several laps, but did not have enough straight-line performance to hold off George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who went on to win and end a 60-year wait for an Italian home victory at Monza.
In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Overtake Mode has replaced DRS as part of the new energy-management system. At Monza, its effect was particularly significant because of the circuit’s long straights and limited opportunities to recover energy.
Verstappen stressed that Red Bull could not match the energy deployment of the Mercedes-powered cars, leaving him vulnerable whenever rivals were able to remain within Overtake Mode range.
“It was quite clear during the race that we simply couldn’t keep up with the energy deployment of the Mercedes-powered cars. And obviously, that’s very difficult on a track like Monza. With Overtake Mode, it looked quite promising, but as soon as I got in the lead, it became very difficult to defend. That was a little bit my issue throughout the race,” Verstappen said.
The Dutchman added that the problem remained even after Red Bull fitted fresh tyres following the virtual safety car.
“Even when we had the virtual safety car, we pitted, put on better tyres and I was making overtakes, but as soon as they can stay within the range to use Overtake Mode, it’s simply too powerful for us to defend, even on new tyres. That’s why it took me a little while to get past the two McLarens,” he explained.
The FIA has classified Red Bull’s combustion engine as the best on the grid, meaning the team cannot use the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system to update its power unit. The straight-line disadvantage was significant enough for Verstappen to describe being overtaken at Monza as being passed “like a turtle.”
“To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy the race because people were simply driving by me like I was a turtle. But I got them back by going around the outside. The car has good brakes, which helps, so I had the confidence to attack the braking zones. I managed to do that twice at the beginning, at Turns 2 and 4. It’s enjoyable, but at the same time frustrating. But I try to make the most of everything I can,” the four-time champion said.
Despite his frustration, Verstappen celebrated his fifth podium of the 2026 season, while acknowledging that Red Bull still has areas to address with the RB22.
“To be on the podium after a very difficult weekend in Zandvoort, where the car wasn’t exactly to my liking, we managed to recover from Friday to Saturday and the car was definitely in a better place. But we still have a few points and areas that we know need to be improved, as well as, of course, the energy issue on the straights,” he concluded.
F1 returns this weekend, September 11–13, for the Spanish GP at the new street circuit in Madrid. GRANDE PRÊMIO will provide full coverage of Round 14 of the 2026 season.
FAQ
What is Overtake Mode in F1 2026?
Overtake Mode is part of Formula 1’s new 2026 energy-management system and provides additional electrical deployment to a following car when the required conditions are met. At Monza, Verstappen said its effect was particularly significant because Red Bull lacked the same level of energy deployment as its rivals.
Why did Verstappen struggle against Mercedes-powered cars at Monza?
Verstappen said Red Bull could not match the energy deployment of Mercedes-powered cars on Monza’s long straights. That left him vulnerable whenever Russell or Antonelli could remain within Overtake Mode range, making it difficult to defend even with fresh tyres.
What is next for Max Verstappen?
Verstappen will return to action at the Spanish GP in Madrid from September 11–13, the 14th round of the 2026 F1 season.
