Max Verstappen aims for further improvements in Monaco

After winning the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Max Verstappen isn't necessarily aiming for a one-two in Monaco. The Dutchman is hoping to avoid the pitfalls of Monaco's streets.

Published 23/05/2025 à 09:00

Mathieu Chambenoit

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Max Verstappen aims for further improvements in Monaco

© Javier Jimenez / DPPI

Before arriving in Monaco, the impression remains relatively constant concerning Max Verstappen. Her car is not the fastest, although it is efficient, but the driver seems to compensate for many of the problems encountered by the RB21 on his own. At Imola, the Dutchman's strong start then determined a controlled race, facilitated by much less tire degradation, without a driver present in front of him.

"If we look at Miami and Imola on average, we are not at the top yet. Imola was good, but not on Friday, he weighed in press conferenceMonaco is very different, it's not a fast circuit. So I'm rather reserved for this weekend. Even with a good car, having a successful qualifying session here is very difficult. We'll see tomorrow."

Quick to project himself on the first turns of the wheels, the pilot Red Bull However, he hopes to find the first solutions more quickly than usual. Often in difficulty on Fridays, the Dutchman remains optimistic about this.

« We don't do it on purpose! We have trouble putting the car in the right window, does he recognize. But at Imola, we learned a lot. The car has a very narrow operating window. If you go outside that window, it becomes difficult to drive. Fortunately, the team reacts quickly.

Verstappen pragmatic before the Monaco GP

Like every driver before him, Max Verstappen has insisted that qualifying will be a must-see part of the weekend. Despite his high confidence and success in the exercise, the four-time world champion is cautious about managing this crucial hour with a view to the final result.

"It all depends on your position (in the stands. Ed.). If you're at the back of the grid, you have to attack from Q1. But here, the circuit changes a lot, so you have to get out at the right time, warns the Dutchman. Pace is essential. You have to put the tires in the right window, have confidence in the car. It's not easy. And with the C6 tires, we don't know yet how they will react."

This weekend, there will be many uncertainties. Beyond a simple question of speed, the parameters will have to be mastered by the teams without failing during the most important moments. Focused on this short term horizon, and his ability to succeed in this eighth round of the season, Max Verstappen refuses to look further ahead. Does he still believe in the title despite the domination of the McLaren ? His concerns are elsewhere.

"It's not a question of belief. We just try to do better in every race, does he rationalize. Last year at this time, I would have said we would win without a problem, but anything can change. So we continue to look for improvements, that's our priority."

ALSO READ > Leclerc fears Monaco's specificities but hopes to create a surprise

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1 Comment (s)

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Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)

23/05/2025 at 03:33 a.m.

Max 2nd in the race, and ahead of the McLarens, that's my prediction, we'll see more clearly... Sunday...!!!!! I think there will be some surprises... We'll see, like in a casino, you never know in advance. 😎👍

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