– Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen did not have “the usual energy” at his home race in Zandvoort, but was sick. However, just in time for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix in Monza (follow all sessions here in the Formula 1 live ticker!), the Dutchman is fit again.
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Verstappen expressed relief: “When you are fully healthy again, you only then appreciate how good it feels to be well. Because the entire weekend in Zandvoort was terrible. It has been a long time since I felt that bad. And even a few days after Zandvoort, I still didn’t feel well.”
The short break in the Formula 1 calendar with a free weekend between Zandvoort and Monza allowed him to fully recover – physically from his illness and mentally from his early crash in the Dutch Grand Prix.
Because physically Verstappen got through the crash well: “I hit the SAFER barrier. That was the first time that happened to me. The barrier really fulfilled its purpose very well.”
Explained: What is a SAFER barrier?
The SAFER barrier (SAFER stands for: Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) is a protective barrier specially developed for motorsport that dissipates the impact energy of a vehicle as controlled as possible. Originally, the system was mainly developed for oval racing in the USA, but it is now also used on many other race tracks – such as in the steep curve in Zandvoort where Verstappen crashed. (Photo series: World champions who crashed at their home race)
Photo series: Formula 1 world champions who crashed at their home race
And this is how this barrier works: Several connected steel profiles are mounted in front of a massive concrete wall. Between the steel structure and the concrete are energy-absorbing foam blocks.
In a collision, the steel barrier yields and distributes the load over a larger area, while the foam is compressed and absorbs part of the kinetic energy. This causes the vehicle to decelerate less abruptly, reducing the peak deceleration forces acting on the driver and vehicle – which Verstappen has now experienced firsthand.
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Why Verstappen is pessimistic about Monza
But this is not the reason why the Red Bull driver expects “no miracles” for the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. He simply sees his team at a disadvantage on the high-speed track.
Verstappen explained: “Nowadays, powertrain and battery each make up 50 percent. And on tracks where energy consumption is high, we were not particularly good at energy management.”
The pure combustion engine in the rear of the Red Bull RB22 is, according to the classification of the FIA (the world governing body for motorsport) in the second ADUO evaluation period 2026, where the FIA assesses performance differences between combustion engines, still the reference in the Formula 1 field.
This means: Red Bull does not receive additional development opportunities through the ADUO system, while manufacturers rated weaker are allowed to make technical improvements.
This also makes Verstappen pessimistic. He said: “It will continue to be difficult. The other teams around us are currently bringing updates and making progress. We were already behind before. Therefore, I do not expect that to change now.”
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Red Bull can therefore only try to “learn more about the car – also with regard to things we want to do differently next year,” said Verstappen. He had already called for a focus on 2027 after Zandvoort.
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