The Red Bulls not certain to win Monaco

Since his debut in Formula 1, Max Verstappen has only won the Monaco Grand Prix once, in 2021. This year, the Red Bulls appear to dominate the field from A to Z. Almost no victory can escape the cars that were already world champions last year. But Max Verstappen is being cautious as the Monaco Grand Prix approaches.

Qualification, the key to the Grand Prix

Qualifying in the streets of Monaco is important. On a circuit where overtaking is more than difficult, the qualifying grid can remain in the same order throughout the entire duration of the Grand Prix. For the reigning double world champion, his Red Bull and he will have to do the work during qualifying. «
In Monaco, qualifying is very important. We need to make sure that we are as fast as we need to be. »

Even though Red Bull usually dominates widely, the Monaco Grand Prix could be the closest race of the season so far. In the streets of Monaco, it’s difficult to create a gap and mistakes are imminent. With the circuit being very treacherous, one of the two Red Bulls might end up crashing and shake up the race.

Are Red Bull potentially in danger?

The Monaco circuit is very demanding, even more so than any other city circuit. Completing a qualifying lap is very challenging, even more so to take risks, but that’s what makes it very exciting,” added the Dutchman. Max Verstappen has never taken pole position on the streets of the principality. This weekend, facing a Sergio Perez who is more than comfortable on city circuits, the Dutchman could still have competition.

With Fernando Alonso’s good performances and Charles Leclerc’s desire for revenge on his home streets, the Red Bulls won’t have as much of an advantage as on traditional circuits. The Mercedes, who have brought improvements, will also be able to compete at the front, with Lewis Hamilton already having three victories on the Monégasque circuit.

Strategy is also important

For the Dutch driver, qualification will not be the only key to decide the outcome of this Monaco Grand Prix. Strategy is always very important in the principality. In the past, Red Bull has already won races thanks to their team’s decisions. Overtaking is made very difficult by the tight walls, numerous tight corners, and short straight lines. Coming out of a pit stop in traffic could potentially cost several seconds.

“The race is usually highly dependent on strategy. Overtaking is almost impossible in Monaco, so no mistakes are allowed,” he declares. A strategy error could determine the fate of the Grand Prix. The uncertainties of Monaco also lie in accidents. A safety car could shake things up and even favor certain drivers depending on when it is deployed.”