Verstappen Cautious Ahead of Monaco Grand Prix Despite Imola Success
Monte Carlo, Monaco – Ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, Max Verstappen has tempered expectations despite a strong performance at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver topped the podium last weekend after overtaking pole position holder Oscar Piastri at the start, showcasing significant improvements in tire management compared to previous races.
The recent race marked the debut of Pirelli’s softest C6 tire compound, with the traditional C5 being designated as the medium for race conditions. This tire allocation will carry over to Monaco, where tire wear is less of an issue due to the circuit’s tight and twisty layout.
However, Verstappen remains cautious, citing lingering concerns regarding Red Bull’s ability to navigate the kerbs and bumps prevalent on the Monaco track. "We still aren’t fully on top of our weaknesses over kerbs," he stated. "The high-speed corners here offer us a chance, but we face a significant challenge in the slower sections."
Verstappen reflected on last year’s Monaco performance, where he finished sixth and struggled for pace against multiple competitors. He indicated that Red Bull has not made substantial changes to address these weaknesses over the winter. "Honestly, it hasn’t felt too different so far compared to last year," he commented.
As the team fine-tunes its setup for the unique demands of the Monaco Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledges the complexities of the street circuit. "We must wait and see how we start the weekend and the feeling in the car," he remarked. "But it won’t be easy; that’s for sure."
The Red Bull Racing team’s performance in Monaco will be closely scrutinized as Verstappen and his team aim to overcome last year’s challenges and capitalize on their recent momentum from Imola.
