Verstappen preaches caution ahead of Monza fightback

Ewan Gale
Saturday 10 September 2022 16:55

Max Verstappen has preached caution ahead of the Italian Grand Prix after taking a grid penalty.

The Red Bull driver qualified second at Monza having been unable to match Charles Leclerc's final effort - the Ferrari driver finishing 0.145secs faster than Verstappen.

The Dutchman will start from seventh after being handed a five-place penalty for fitting a fifth internal combustion engine [ICE] of the season and, with the need for overtaking in mind, Red Bull fitted a higher-downforce rear wing to the championship leader's car despite the lengthy straights at the venue.

Addressing his qualifying run, Verstappen said: "It was close but of course, we chose to go for a little more downforce around here.

"On an overall lap maybe that is not the best but for tomorrow, it can be quite strong, knowing we have to start a bit back.

"It was still a good lap, I enjoyed it. It has been a great weekend so far and it will be an interesting battle tomorrow."

Verstappen was supreme when fighting from 10th to take victory at the Hungaroring before the summer break, albeit making the most of a poor strategy choice from Ferrari.

But the Dutchman was untouchable in Belgium when taking his first engine penalty as he climbed from 14th on the grid to secure a memorable victory, recovering to lead within the first half of the race.

On his prospects for the race, Verstappen added: "Just try to stay out of trouble at the beginning and try to work my way forward."