Max in Monte Carlo: 'How much risk are you willing to take.'
Published on 22 May 2025 by Stefan Meens
This weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix is somewhat of a home race for Max Verstappen. The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver lives in Monte Carlo, making his commute to his office the shortest of the year. In the paddock the Dutchman spoke to the international media discussing his win in Imola and his hopes for the Monaco GP.
“Imola was a great weekend for us”, says Max. “It wasn’t good on Friday; we were really trailing the McLarens on the long runs. To make such a leap forward wasn’t easy, but it felt a lot better, despite my tyres overheating. In the end, I think we were stronger than expected and McLaren wasn’t as quick as we anticipated. Nevertheless, we need to keep understanding our car better to get the right set-up.”
At the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the four time World Champion made a decisive overtake on pole-sitter Oscar Piastri. As the pair approached turn one, Max outbraked the Australian and passed the McLaren on the outside. “I did watch the overtake back in the evening, and I saw how close it was. It did make me smile in the cockpit.”
The last weekend in May means it is time for the Monaco Grand Prix, a Bonafide classic on the F1 calendar. “It’s a tricky track to really master and to get the maximum out of the car in qualifying. Because overtaking is so difficult, quali is even more important. It’s a tight, bumpy and challenging track. It’s a track with a lot of history and everyone wants to win here, so it’s special.”
In combination with the many bumps on the track surface, the circuit features several kerbstones that need utilised to string a fast lap together. Traditionally bumps and kerbs are not the RB21’s strong points. “It’s not ideal for us, but we’ll try to be better prepared. We prefer tracks with more high speed corners, so Monaco isn’t ideal for our car.”
Qualifying is crucial in Monaco, meaning the build-up throughout the session is important to get right. “You have to find the right rhythm and find the right time on track to avoid traffic, especially in Q1 when it’s really busy. It’s also a case of knowing how much risk you’re willing to take as the track keeps improving. In the end, you’ll never be fully comfortable in Monaco as you’re always on the limit.”
This weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix features a new rule meaning at least two pit stops will be mandatory during Sunday’s race. Max: “It could go two ways. It either doesn’t make a difference or there will be chaos in combination with a safety car. Overtaking is still not possible, but it at least will create more opportunities in terms of strategy and tactics. Maybe some teams will gamble. Hopefully it’ll make the race more interesting.”
After his second win of the season last weekend, Max has reduced the gap to championship leader Piastri to 22 points, but the Dutchman still sits in P3 in the standings. “What counts is where you are after the final race. A lot can happen. Same time last year I thought I’d win the chamopionship easily, but a lot happened. It won’t be straightforward this season, but we’ll keep trying to improve”, concludes reigning champion.
Contest Monaco GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing 2025 cap!
