Verstappen voices Red Bull concern: 'I have less power than a Fiat Punto!'

The four-time world champion was a regular presence near the top of the timesheets throughout FP3, gradually finding more performance as the session unfolded. Verstappen eventually climbed to third in the closing stages, finishing three tenths behind George Russell’s benchmark and also trailing Lewis Hamilton.

Towards the end of the session, the Dutchman voiced his frustration to race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over team radio, joking about the amount of power at his disposal: “Mate I have less power than a Fiat Punto!”

The comment quickly sparked amusement among fans on social media, made all the more fitting by the setting of this weekend’s Grand Prix. With Formula 1 racing in Italy, Verstappen’s choice of comparison was particularly timely, given that the Punto is one of Italian manufacturer Fiat’s most recognisable models.

Verstappen was one of the main protagonists in the closing stages of FP3 at Monza, and not only because of his complaints over the engine. The Red Bull driver was also involved in a tense wheel-to-wheel moment with Lewis Hamilton, with the pair coming close to contact after a flat-out battle down the main straight.

It all started at the exit of the Parabolica, where Verstappen and Hamilton found themselves side by side before continuing their fight all the way towards the first chicane. Verstappen even gave the Ferrari driver an ironic thumbs-up during the drag race before committing his RB22 to the inside under braking for Turn 1. Hamilton had to move to the left to avoid contact, cutting the chicane in the process, while Verstappen later complained over the radio: “He caused that.”

Race Control noted the incident shortly after it happened and reviewed the near-miss between the two drivers. However, it was ultimately decided that no further investigation was required, clearing both Verstappen and Hamilton of any wrongdoing and meaning neither driver had to report to the stewards.