'Unbelievable and very tough' - Top 3 drivers react to record-breaking Italian GP

Red Bull and Max Verstappen may not have had everything go their way in the practice sessions and qualifying leading up to the Italian Grand Prix, but they always knew they had the better race pace to go for the win.

And it was indeed the case as on Lap 15/51, the Dutchman sailed past Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, eking out a lead of over a second per lap from there on out.

And after the pitstops, it was all about managing the tyres and the pace to bring the car home safely and register his record-breaking tenth consecutive win.

In the post-race interviews with 2016 Formula 1 champion Nico Rosberg, Verstappen admitted they had to work for it.

He said: "I mean, I never would have believed [10] was possible, but we had to work for it, so that was fun. It was so hard to get close and get a move into Turn 1 I had to force [Sainz] into a mistake. I tried to stay patient. It's a long race, and I just had to pick my moment."

Max: Sets dominant, all-time Formula 1 record
Also Max: "Not too bad!" ??

Another record to add to the @Max33Verstappen collection, with victory in Monza#ItalianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/rZLikpbMfK

Back to form?

Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez had his work cut out as he made his way up the order from fifth. The Mexican crossed the finish line at the Monza Circuit 7.6 seconds after his teammate, securing second place after battling Sainz and his teammate Charles Leclerc for most of the race's second half.

"To get through Charles and then Carlos - I had to use all of my tyres," he said.

"I really thought at times, especially at the beginning... in the end, we managed to get both of them. I feel a lot more comfortable in the car, so I think we'll see my best form in the next races."

READ | Max Verstappen wins Italian GP,