Verstappen reveals Red Bull “trim” has delivered Italian GP pace

Max Verstappen has revealed a "trim" to his Red Bull has allowed the team to close in on Mercedes' straight-line advantage after securing pole for the Italian Grand Prix.

Red Bull has been behind Mercedes on pace across the Monza weekend, as shown by Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton locking out the front row for Saturday's sprint.

But unlike in previous years, Verstappen has at least been considerably closer to the Mercedes duo, allowing him to finish second to Bottas in the sprint.

With Bottas starting from the back of the grid due to a raft of penalties for an engine change, pole-sitter Verstappen now has high hopes of securing a first Italian GP victory.

"I have to say we did trim our car to have decent top speed," said the Dutchman.

"So I'm not too worried about our top speed in the race but of course, we know that Mercedes have very good pace also over the whole lap.

"But nevertheless, we're going to try and have a good race tomorrow. I don't expect it to be an easy race."

After starting from third on the grid, Verstappen had expected Mercedes to control the sprint.

But Hamilton made a shockingly poor start from second to head into the first chicane in sixth position.

With Pierre Gasly crashing out and Bottas' penalty, Hamilton will start fourth and also now five points behind Verstappen in the drivers' standings after the Dutch driver claimed two points for his runner-up finish behind Bottas.

"It was a little bit better than expected," said Verstappen, referring to his performance.

"We had a good start so we got up to second and we scored some nice little points and, of course, we are starting on pole for tomorrow.

"Nevertheless, they still seem very quick but I was giving it my all to try and stay close so it is going to be an interesting battle tomorrow."

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