P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen is now 22 points – and one race win – within striking distance of championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Max Verstappen acknowledges that despite his surprising victory at Imola, Red Bull still has significant progress to make in order to compete for the F1 championship.
Although McLaren was expected to perform strongly at the Emilia Romagna GP, Verstappen’s impressive overtaking maneuver on the first lap proved crucial in securing his second win of the season.
Verstappen highlighted the updated RB21’s performance at high-speed tracks but remains cautious about mounting a serious title challenge, especially with the challenging Monaco circuit approaching.
He emphasized the need for further evaluation before committing to a championship bid, citing track-specific factors and the varying competitiveness of the car.
For Verstappen, the positive outcome at Imola was encouraging, attributing it to successful upgrades and improved overall performance throughout the weekend.
Looking ahead, he expressed uncertainty about the upcoming races in Monaco and Barcelona, emphasizing the importance of adapting to track characteristics and mastering tire degradation to maximize the team’s potential.
