'Everything was against us' was how Max Verstappen described his and Red Bull Racing's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
After a clumsy opening lap tangle with the Racing Point of Sergio Perez, the Dutchman was forced to make an early pit stop for a front wing change.
Once he made his way back through the field, he was able to catch up with Perez, but his progress was halted due to the pace of the Mexican in the efficient, low-drag Racing Point.
Describing his opening lap incident, Verstappen said: "It was not even late braking, I was just following, following, and suddenly everything almost stood still, I tried to avoid it but I still clipped I think Sergio on the rear wheel. I think the front wing was a bit down, so we boxed.
"The race was still on. I think we had good pace. I got through quite a lot of cars, but then again I got stuck behind Sergio, they have such a high top speed, I had no chance to get by.
"I think the car performed good. Again, unlucky with the Virtual Safety Car again, two or three cars overtook me in the pit stop because of that.
"The whole race, everything was just against us."
Verstappen felt despite his starting position, he had the ability to run with front-running pace in clear air.
"I could have fought with the guys in the front," he added.
"I could see them on the screen. I was following my progression. Of course, I knew their lap times, but I was not losing. Of course, when you get in traffic you lose time, but all the time I was in free air, they were not faster.
"It's very promising on a track where you are normally not that competitive."
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