“Free” Friday in Monaco

Published on 22 May 2015 by Niels Hendrix

Today was a "day off" for the Formula 1 circus in Monaco, but not for the Scuderia Toro Rosso drivers. Because the tradition of heading to the beach or having a leisurely day no longer has a role in the modern world of Grand Prix racing. Even Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz were busy and how appropriate that, on the day after the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association put out a statement that drivers must do more for the fans, Max and Carlos had a packed schedule.

It started when they joined Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo to give media a thrill, giving them passenger rides, lapping round the famous street circuit in a Renault RS01 and two Clio RS Trophy cars. Once that was over, it was a quick dash back to the pit lane to sign autographs for the fans.

From there they headed up the hill out of the track to the Place d'Armes, well known for its market and restaurants, but today transformed into the MGP Live Stage, a forum for spectators but crucially, even open to those who have not got tickets for the race. The two Toro Rosso boys got a fantastic reception and really entered into the spirit of the event, chatting with fans for a long time and posing for the obligatory selfies.

It wasn't all fun and games, as Max and Carlos also had to fit in two meetings with their engineers, making the most of the extra day to plan the fine detail for the rest of the weekend. It all starts again on Saturday, with the final hour of free practice at 11 o'clock.

You can find the schedule for the Monaco Grand Prix here. 

Click here to participate in a contest, for the Monaco GP, and win a Max Verstappen T-shirt!