Max Verstappen has been tipped for victory at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, scheduled for September 4-6, 2026. This prediction emerges despite a challenging 2026 Formula 1 season for both Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team. The race weekend will culminate with the Grand Prix on Sunday, September 6.
Verstappen’s recent performance saw him crash out on the opening lap of the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23. This incident marked a low point in a season where the four-time world champion has yet to secure a victory.
His results at Zandvoort also included a sixth-place finish in sprint qualifying and the sprint race, followed by seventh in grand prix qualifying. These outcomes underscore Red Bull’s current performance deficit.
Red Bull Racing currently holds fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship with 186 points. Verstappen himself is sixth in the Drivers’ Championship, accumulating 112 points so far this season.
Verstappen has openly acknowledged that Red Bull has been ‘fourth fastest’ on average throughout the current campaign. He indicated that the team is already focusing on improvements for the 2027 season.
The Dutchman also voiced concerns regarding the suitability of the 2026 regulations for high-speed circuits. He stated that ‘Spa and Monza are going to be more of the same again’ with the current cars.
Despite these challenges, Verstappen possesses a strong record at Monza, having secured three victories at the Italian Grand Prix since 2022. These wins occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2025.
However, current predictions for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix favour other drivers. Lando Norris, George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli are listed with better odds.
Antonelli, who leads the Drivers’ Championship with 242 points and seven wins, is considered a strong contender for his home race. Mercedes currently tops the Constructors’ standings with 425 points.
Norris, fresh from back-to-back victories at the Hungarian and Dutch Grands Prix, also presents a significant threat. His McLaren team is third in the Constructors’ Championship.
Verstappen’s outlook for the remainder of the season is not straightforward, as he anticipates a difficult end to the campaign. Red Bull’s strategic shift towards 2027 highlights their current struggles.
