Four-time world champion Max Verstappen qualified sixth for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, starting fifth after a grid penalty for McLaren's Oscar Piastri, as persistent technical problems at the rear of his Red Bull car caused it to bounce over kerbs and cost him lap time. Speaking candidly after qualifying, Verstappen said the car felt "made of paper," with components failing or seizing up during the session, and admitted he has been managing the same rear-end issue for years without a fix in sight. With Red Bull's focus already shifting toward the 2027 regulations, Verstappen acknowledged that a first race win of the season remains unlikely, marking his longest winless run since his debut year in 2015.