Max Verstappen, the defending four-time Monaco Grand Prix champion, arrives at this weekend’s 71st running of the prestigious race with renewed confidence in both his car and team. Fresh off a strong performance and victory at Imola, Verstappen is optimistic about his chances this season, despite McLaren’s strong early form. His recent win has brought him closer in the championship standings, and he now aims to continue this momentum on the demanding streets of Monte Carlo.
Monaco presents unique challenges unlike any other track on the Formula 1 calendar, with its narrow, twisty streets and unforgiving barriers demanding precision and strategy. The FIA’s introduction of a mandatory two-stop rule for all conditions adds another layer of complexity, potentially favoring McLaren’s nimble car, which excels on circuits with slow corners. McLaren has enjoyed a recent surge, though they have not claimed victory in Monaco since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton won before joining Ferrari.
Despite Red Bull’s recent upgrades and Verstappen’s confidence, the team advisor Helmut Marko cautions that Monaco’s slow corners might hinder their performance compared to Imola. Verstappen himself acknowledged the difficulty of the track, recalling his sixth-place finish last year when local hero Charles Leclerc claimed a historic victory. With Ferrari struggling in qualifying this year, both Leclerc and Hamilton are less likely to contend for victory, opening the door for other drivers.
This situation could benefit McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who has been the season’s most consistent driver and is seeking his first Monaco win. Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris, who has yet to win at Monaco, may challenge him in qualifying, adding to the competition. Meanwhile, Mercedes’ George Russell is expected to be competitive, while rookie Kimi Antonelli and five other newcomers face the daunting task of mastering this iconic circuit for the first time.
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