Max Verstappen says it's important for Red Bull to "stay realistic" despite a podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The four-time champion finished second in Zandvoort, after Lando Norris' late retirement.
The Dutch driver looked to finish on the podium regardless, as he started third and maintained the position throughout the race.
But he said the pace wasn't something to write home about.
"We need to stay realistic. I think the pace in the race wasn't anything particularly strong so there's still a few things that we need to understand a bit better, why in the race it didn't really go to plan."
Verstappen said how the Italian Grands Prix conditions will effect the car can only be determined once they are on track.
It's been a different season for the Red Bull driver, who says he has no ambitions for this year's title.
He currently sits third in the drivers standings - 104 points behind leader Oscar Piastri.
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Verstappen reacts to Norris' retirement
Verstappen benefitted from Norris' retirement with a promotion up to second, but it's a situation he's faced himself before.
During media day at Monza, he was asked for his reaction if he had been in the McLaren driver's position and hunting for the title.
Verstappen said overthinking or overcomplicating the situation won't help anyone.
"Yes, you can be in the lead by 30 points or behind by 30 points but there are still a lot of races where you can overturn it. It's still all in your own control if you win the championship."
"You just need to be on it every single weekend but you have to be that anyway, even if you are in the lead of the championship."
The four-time champion said it means avoiding mistakes is key to keep the fight going.
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