Max Verstappen heads into this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix feeling revitalised after his commanding win at Imola, but fully aware that the challenges in Monte Carlo may test Red Bull’s progress against a surging McLaren team.
The Dutch driver secured his 65th career victory last Sunday, cutting the gap in the drivers’ standings to just nine points behind McLaren’s Lando Norris and 22 behind leader Oscar Piastri. With momentum swinging back in his favour, Verstappen will be hoping to continue that form on the unforgiving streets of Monaco—a race he has won twice before and where he owns an apartment overlooking the circuit.
However, the unique demands of F1’s most prestigious street race, combined with recent regulatory changes, promise a far trickier weekend. The FIA’s newly introduced rule enforcing a mandatory two-stop strategy—regardless of weather—adds further complexity to a race already defined by narrow roads, tight corners and minimal overtaking opportunities.
McLaren, whose car has performed exceptionally well on tracks with slower turns, is tipped as a real threat this weekend. The Woking-based outfit has not triumphed in Monaco since 2008, when Lewis Hamilton took the chequered flag en route to his maiden world title. With five wins from the opening seven races this season, McLaren are pushing Red Bull hard.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged the potential shift in fortunes. “The updates have made the car behave more the way Max likes, as we saw in Imola,” he said. “But Monaco is a different beast. Only slow corners, and that could expose our weaknesses.”
Verstappen echoed the caution. “Last year was a real struggle for us here, and I don’t expect this year to be much easier,” he said. He finished sixth in 2024, a race won by Charles Leclerc, who became the first Monegasque driver to win at home in the modern era. Ferrari’s current qualifying issues, however, make a repeat for Leclerc unlikely.
Hamilton, now with Ferrari, is also not expected to contend for the win, leaving the door open for McLaren’s young stars. Piastri has emerged as the most consistent performer this season and is aiming for his first Monaco victory. “I had a strong weekend here last year, so I’m looking to go one better,” the Australian said. “With a two-stop race, anything can happen—but I’m confident we’ll be competitive.”
Lando Norris, meanwhile, is seeking to improve on his single podium at Monaco. The Briton will likely need to outqualify his team-mate to stand a real chance of victory.
Mercedes’ George Russell, known for his strong Saturday performances, could also be in the mix, while his teenage team-mate Kimi Antonelli is one of six rookies facing Monaco’s treacherous street layout for the first time in a Formula 1 car.
