Max Verstappen stuns at Monza, leaves rivals amazed: Gabriel Bortoleto reacts on team radio. Max Verstappen surprised fans and rivals alike at the 2025 Italian GP with a commanding win at Monza.

Max Verstappen surprises everyone at Monza, including his rivals

Max Verstappen delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 Italian Grand Prix, astonishing fans, pundits, and even his competitors on track, including Gabriel Bortoleto. Despite facing several challenges with his Red Bull and a carefully chosen aerodynamic setup, Verstappen dominated the race, finishing 20 seconds ahead of the first McLaren. Following the race, Bortoleto’s team radio revealed his astonishment as he asked his team for the final results.

Max Verstappen’s weekend already full of surprises

The excitement started on Saturday after Verstappen secured pole position, leaving many observers speechless. The Red Bull No. 1 featured a manually refined rear wing by the mechanics in the final practice session, allowing the car to fly along Monza’s long straights. At the same time, the car proved incredibly challenging to control through braking zones and corners. Nevertheless, the four-time world champion once again delivered a masterful display.

Race day magic at Monza

From the first laps, Verstappen immediately reclaimed the position he had lost to Lando Norris in Turn 1. He then settled into his own rhythm, expertly managing his tyres and steadily increasing his lead. By the end of the race, he crossed the line with a commanding advantage over the entire field, leaving everyone impressed, including his competitors. Gabriel Bortoleto, in particular, expressed his surprise over team radio right after finishing.

Bortoleto’s team radio captures the astonishment

G.B: “Max has won!”
Engineer: “Yes, Gabriel, I thought you saw it on the big screen…”
G.B: “No…”
Engineer: “Max won, then Lando and Oscar completed the podium. Leclerc finished fourth.”
G.B: “Unbelievable… Wow, this guy is insane…”
Engineer: “Yes. He battled with Lando in the first laps, then passed him and pulled away.”

Max Verstappen’s performance at Monza highlights his exceptional skill and ability to extract maximum performance from his Red Bull, even under challenging conditions. The race not only reaffirmed his dominance on the straights but also showcased his strategic mastery in tyre management and race pacing. His rivals were left in awe, with Bortoleto’s candid team radio capturing the raw astonishment and respect Verstappen commands on track.