Red Bull’s Max Verstappen acknowledges that the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix will be a challenging weekend due to the tight track and rising competition from McLaren and Ferrari.
Max Verstappen’s dominant start to the season, with four wins in the first five races, signals a strong bid for his fourth successive world title. Meanwhile, Red Bull aims for a third consecutive constructors’ championship. However, recent upgrades from McLaren have shaken things up, with Lando Norris securing victory in Miami and challenging Verstappen closely in Imola, finishing just seven-tenths behind in P2.
As the F1 paddock gears up for Monaco, Verstappen is cautious about McLaren and Ferrari’s advancements, mindful of Red Bull’s historical struggles on slower street circuits.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Verstappen acknowledged the challenges Monaco poses: “I think looking at the track layout it’s probably not going to be our best track, just because our car normally struggles a bit over bumps and kerbs. But I think Monaco never is very straightforward, even when you’re supposed to have the best car.”
Verstappen anticipates a fierce battle to maintain his perfect pole position record amid McLaren and Ferrari’s strong form. He stressed the importance of Red Bull executing a flawless weekend, recognizing the competitive landscape.
“Naturally, from the outside, I think it is one of the more difficult tracks for us,” he continued. “Plus, in the last few years, I think Ferrari has always been very, very strong here. Plus, McLaren lately, the last two races, really ramped up in performance.”
Heading into Monaco, Verstappen holds a 48-point lead over Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings, with Red Bull sitting comfortably 56 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors’ standings. However, the tightening competition underscores the need for Verstappen and Red Bull to perform at their best to maintain their advantage.
