The Formula One world champion, Max Verstappen, was in a piqued mood after his less-than-satisfying showing at the Italian Grand Prix. His Red Bull car, once the best on the circuit, has now become what he has bitterly referred to as an “undriveable monster.” This alarming fall has left Verstappen with much doubt over whether he and his team can realistically cling onto their title hopes.

It was a real struggle for Verstappen all weekend in Monza. The Red Bull driver started from seventh on the grid and finished sixth, moving a single position up the order. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc won the race, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris rounding out the podium. This result finally meant Norris could take Verstappen’s championship lead down to 62 points, while McLaren closed in on Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, just eight points adrift.

And the Dutchman did not mince his words in his analysis of the situation. “The car is undrivable; it’s a massive balance problem that we have, and that is not only over one lap but also the race,” Verstappen lamented. He remembered how different it was from last year when Red Bull enjoyed “the most dominant car ever,” which for him had turned into a “monster.”

Frustrating enough, but the drought of late, where six races have passed since he last tasted victory, makes it all worse. That’s in absolute contrast to the fact that he won seven of the first ten races this season. Whatever upgrades Red Bull created to try and keep themselves in front seems to have backfired, as Verstappen trails behind competition. His candid assessment put into perspective the pressing need for changes if they are to salvage their title campaign. “It doesn’t matter where we are [racing] at the moment, we are bad everywhere, so we need a lot of changes,” he warned. “At the moment, both championships are not realistic.”

While Verstappen struggles with Red Bull’s struggles, McLaren’s Lando Norris sees his own chance. Fresh from finishing third at Monza, Norris called for the team to provide full support of his title aspirations. His comments came after a first-lap moment of controversy where Piastri swept around him, and McLaren declined to issue team orders.

“I would love it,” Norris admitted when asked if McLaren should back his title bid. “But it is not up to me. It is up to the team. I don’t want to beg to be allowed past. A driver doesn’t want things to be played that way. And although I wouldn’t say we are running out of time, time is slipping away. I still believe I can do it.”

As the season wears on, Verstappen’s withering self-criticism from within underlines the growing pressure on Red Bull. The closer the championship fight gets-to the rivals drawing ever-nearer-the grimmer the prospect of a title defense by the reigning champion, clinging on by its fingernails. Should Red Bull not manage to fix the issues that are troubling their car, Verstappen’s dream of retaining the crown may slip through his fingers as quickly as his once commanding lead in the standings.