Max Verstappen arrives at the Monaco Formula 1 GP without high expectations of competing for victory. Despite Red Bull Racing’s recent evolution, the four-time champion believes the team is still behind its main competitors and sees Ferrari as the big favorite for the weekend on the streets of Monte Carlo.
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The Dutchman’s assessment contrasts with the festive atmosphere that usually marks Red Bull’s presence in the Principality. While sponsors and guests move the team’s activities during one of the most prestigious stages of the calendar, Verstappen maintains a pragmatic view of his chances in the race.
According to the Dutch driver, his RB22 has evolved compared to the beginning of the season, but still does not show sufficient performance to face Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari on equal terms. Therefore, he believes that a victory would depend on a series of favorable circumstances throughout the weekend.
Another factor that worries Verstappen is the difficulty of overtaking in Monaco. As a result, the qualifying session result gains even more importance, especially the decisive lap in Q3: “Everything needs to happen the right way. Then we’ll see where that puts us,” he stated.
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The Dutchman also acknowledged that he has already managed to make a difference in similar situations, thanks to his qualities behind the wheel, but avoided optimistic predictions: “Maybe I can make a difference, as has happened before. But I don’t know if that will be the case. We are fine-tuning the details until the qualifying session, but there are always things to resolve,” he said.
Even being one of the most emblematic races in Formula 1, Verstappen stated that his perception of the event changed after previous achievements. For him, the stage currently has the same sporting weight as the others in the championship: “For me, it’s just another event where 25 points are at stake. When you win for the first time, everything seems very special. Now I just see it as another race on the calendar,” he added.
Despite the focus on the track, the weekend will have a special detail for the Red Bull driver. During laps around the circuit, he will pass near the apartment where his partner Kelly Piquet and the couple’s daughter, Lily, will watch the action from the balcony. It will be Lily’s first opportunity to watch her father compete live in Monaco. In good humor, Verstappen joked about the proximity to his residence: “I hope I don’t park the car in the wall nearby. The only advantage would be that I would get home very quickly,” he concluded, laughing.
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