Verstappen's race at Monza 2020: Red Bull is ready for a clean slate

While people are still recovering from the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, the next race weekend is already underway. This time the Formula 1-circus will descend on the fast Monza-circuit in Italy. How did Max Verstappen do last year?

The 2020 Italian Grand Prix will not soon be forgotten. The race marked the first victory for Pierre Gasly, who was joined on the podium by Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll. An unusual top three, made possible in part by problems at the top teams.

Verstappen, however, will have put the race behind him as soon as possible. He was plagued by engine problems, which caused him to lose two places at the start and eventually had to abandon the race.

The 23-year-old will start the weekend with a clean sheet. How Red Bull Racing will perform at the ultra-fast Monza track is open to question: previously the track was generally good for Mercedes, but the current Red Bull car has proven to be competitive on the straights as well. Verstappen will be keen to maintain his leading position in the championship and increase his lead over Lewis Hamilton.