Former F1 driver tips Verstappen for surprise Monza challenge: 'This may be the surprise of the season'

Speaking on De Telegraaf's podcast, as reported by F1-Fansite, the Dutchman offered a verdict that runs counter to the prevailing narrative around Red Bull's difficult 2026 campaign. Verstappen crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix on the opening lap at Zandvoort just a week ago, and has himself said he finds Monza 'impossible' to predict. Albers, however, made a far more specific, and optimistic, case.

Red Bull has struggled more in sustained medium- and high-speed corners, features that play a smaller role at Monza than at many modern circuits. Straight-line speed has been identified as one of the few genuine strengths of the RB22 package this season, and Monza's layout of long straights and chicanes could amplify that advantage.

Energy management is one of several areas where Red Bull has not yet found full alignment under the 2026 regulations, and Monza's long full-throttle sections place heavy demands on electrical deployment. Albers' prediction, however, rests on the belief that the RB22's low-drag efficiency will outweigh those concerns.

Albers also pointed to championship leader Kimi Antonelli's engine penalty at Monza, which as GPblog has reported will see the Mercedes driver start from the back of the grid. He added that Ferrari and McLaren may find Monza less comfortable than the flowing venues at which their cars have recently excelled. "I think this may be the surprise of the season," Albers said.

Albers sees Monza as potentially Verstappen's last major chance before the championship fight narrows decisively. Despite his optimism about the Italian Grand Prix, his longer-term outlook for Red Bull was far less encouraging.

Verstappen currently sits sixth in the World Drivers' Championship with 112 points and no wins from his 2026 campaign so far, 130 behind Antonelli, who leads with 242 points after twelve rounds. Defending champion Norris remains fourth, 83 points behind Antonelli, but consecutive victories have revived both McLaren's season and his own title hopes. If Albers is right, Monza may represent Red Bull's last realistic window before the fight narrows for good.