Last year Max Verstappen arrived at the Monaco Grand Prix on a high, having just won his first race for Red Bull at the Spanish Grand Prix, but soon the mean streets of Monte Carlo brought he back to earth during a bent metal packed weekend.
His qualifying session ended when he tagged the Armco at the swimming pool complex and crashed into the wall. Then 24 hours later, during the race, he again slammed the barriers to end his race before half distance.
Speaking ahead of his second Monaco Grand Prix as a Red Bull driver, Verstappen said, “There is no such thing as a low risk lap in Monaco, it doesn’t exist if you want to be fast because you have to be on the limit.”
“Last year’s crash was very unfortunate but it doesn’t affect my confidence heading back there, it just makes me want to do better this year and learn from my mistakes.”
“We still have a lot to learn from the car in terms of setup as it is always developing and we haven’t driven it on a tight street circuit yet.”
Like many of the drivers on the F1 grid, Verstappen now calls Monaco home, “I have been living in Monaco for just over a year now and really enjoyed every minute of it.”
“I have a good crew of friends which means we always have plenty of fun. It is also nice being able to train in the Mediterranean sun, and experience the nightlife… in the off season.”
Faster and wider cars will add to the challenge of racing on the public roads of the principality, “Preparation for Monaco is a little different, you definitely build up a little bit slower throughout the weekend and pace yourself.”
“It’s important to find the limit carefully. With the new cars I think the chicane around the swimming pool will be the most challenging corner this year,” added the teenager who lies sixth in the world championship after five rounds.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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