Max Verstappen’s frustration was evident throughout the Italian Grand Prix weekend, reflecting a growing trend in his 2024 season. After dominating the first half of the year by winning seven of the opening ten races, Verstappen hasn’t topped the podium since. The race in Monza further highlighted Red Bull’s struggles, as the team was unable to compete with its closest rivals.

Before qualifying, it was clear that Verstappen needed a special performance to prevent McLaren’s Lando Norris from closing the gap in the Drivers’ Championship. However, both Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez were unable to match the pace of their competitors, with the Red Bull car lacking the performance needed to challenge for victory.

Verstappen, known for his perfectionist mentality, demands high standards from himself and those around him. In Hungary, his frustrations boiled over, leading to a rare mistake. During the Italian Grand Prix, Verstappen’s frustrations were on full display, particularly over team radio, where he voiced his dissatisfaction with the backmarkers and the overall performance of the car.

One of the key moments came towards the end of the race when Verstappen, after a slow pit stop, expressed his annoyance: “Can people in the background please be awake? I know this is a bad position, but it’s important.” This message captured his growing disconnect with the team’s performance and his concern about Red Bull’s direction.

The pressure is mounting for Red Bull to address these issues quickly, as Verstappen’s frustration threatens to impact both his focus and the team’s chances in the championship. If Red Bull fails to find a solution soon, their dominance could be in jeopardy as the season progresses