The two-time Monaco GP winner in 2021 and 2023, Max Verstappen, is preparing to tackle the race in the Principality with the clear goal of capitalizing on every available opportunity, given the unique nature of this track. Over the recent rounds, we have witnessed a clear recovery from Red Bull following their first seasonal upgrades, even if the Milton Keynes machinery is not yet on par with the class leaders. Despite this, Verstappen managed to secure an excellent third-place finish in Canada—reaping the rewards of a disastrous weekend for McLaren—and consequently brought home crucial points for the world championship standings. While the streets of the Principality have not been particularly kind to Red Bull in recent seasons, the sweeping regulatory changes introduced this year will undoubtedly shuffle the deck.
Verstappen on his future and the difficulties of the RB22
The Monaco circuit holds a profoundly special meaning for the Milton Keynes squad. It was right here in the Principality twenty years ago that the team secured its first-ever podium in F1 history, courtesy of David Coulthard‘s third-place finish. Reflecting on this milestone, Verstappen noted: “Red Bull’s first podium was here twenty years ago. Repeating that this time? I don’t know, but Monaco can always spring surprises. There are so many factors, but we will see how the weekend develops. We need to improve in all areas—efficiency, grip, tires.”
When addressing the struggles faced in Canada and the steps required to improve the RB22 after a lackluster start to the campaign, he elaborated: “In Montreal, we were missing something on the straights, but we are also not at the top in the corners and over the bumps. We will be more agile in the low-speed sections, but overall I believe these cars have caused us to take a step backward compared to a year ago.” Discussing the internal dynamic within the garage, he added: “The atmosphere in the team is good. Everyone is working well together and we are all pulling in the same direction, so it all comes down to what they need to do and what we want to achieve.”
The four-time world champion also emphasized his deep personal connection to the Principality: “Monaco is home for me, which carries even more weight than the race itself. It is a safe, friendly city, ideal for children. F1 is an added bonus—frenetic, but it makes everything grand. My memory? Hitting the guardrail face-first.” This was a nod to the very beginning of his career in 2015, when Verstappen suffered his first major Monaco crash while still driving for Toro Rosso. Looking at the present day, the Dutchman is increasingly dedicating his free time to his own race team, focusing on endurance racing and GT3 machinery in particular.
When questioned about a potential alternative to F1, especially given the intense controversies surrounding the new rules, Verstappen responded directly: “Racing outside of F1 does not affect my performance here. I am enjoying myself; it is a bonus that I try to combine with F1. And returning here with positive feelings can only help.” Thus, for the time being, the four-time world champion views endurance racing purely as an avenue for external enjoyment rather than a full alternative to grand prix racing. However, as he has repeatedly stated, his long-term future in the pinnacle of motorsport hinges on the regulatory adjustments that will be finalized in the near future.
“I think these discussions are ongoing, and it is better not to speak about it now. But, you know, I believe and trust in some of the opinions. I think they will make the right decision for motorsport and for F1 in general, for the future. So, I leave the decision to them. I think I have said everything I wanted to say and, at the same time, I think a very positive thing about this year was our involvement in the discussions and the fact that we actually held meetings, which was fantastic. I believe many positive steps for the future have already been taken this year. And that is all.”
In conclusion, Max Verstappen’s balance between sim racing, real-world endurance projects, and his primary F1 duties keeps him in a highly competitive frame of mind. As Red Bull works relentlessly to extract more performance from the RB22 chassis, the driver’s active role in shaping the sport’s future regulations highlights his long-term commitment to keeping Grand Prix racing at its absolute peak.
Leave a Reply