Max Verstappen, winner in Monaco: “We had to stay calm”

Max Verstappen won his second victory in the Principality after that of 2021. The double world champion dominated the race from start to finish from pole position. Even the rain, which appeared in the second half of the Grand Prix, did not succeed in disturbing the Dutchman, a solid winner ahead of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine).

« It was a difficult race, spoke the winner of the day at the microphone of David Coulthard, also a double winner in Monaco (2000 and 2002). We were on Medium tires and we were suffering with them. It took a long time, but we had to hold on for a long time. We didn't really know what was going to happen. The tires were getting damaged, it was difficult to drive in these conditions. The rain came, more and more as the laps went by. It was incredibly slippery going into the pits before moving onto the intermediates. I didn't want to attack too much or waste too much time. This was quite difficult to manage. I hit the wall in a few places… It’s Monaco! »

Particularly at the porter's turn, where the double champion had difficulty turning correctly and entering the tunnel.

« I was losing my rear a little, testifies Verstappen. I was trying to manage my slide so as not to lose the car. » 

The Batavian could finally enjoy it after the finish, when the clouds had dissipated above the Rock.

« It’s great to win here. We had to stay calm with all the conditions we experienced to get the car back safely. Those are a lot of points for the team too. »

Thanks to this success and with the bad weekend experienced by his teammate Sergio Pérez (16th), Max Verstappen clearly increases his lead in the drivers' world championship. The Dutchman now has a 39-point lead over his runner-up (144 to 105). This is also his 39th victory with Red Bull, which makes him the most prolific driver of the Austrian team, ahead of Sebastian Vettel.

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