Max previews Monaco: 'We can fight for the podium'

Published on 22 May 2019 by Stefan Meens

In Monaco the customary drivers FIA press conference takes place on Wednesday instead of Thursday. Max Verstappen was one of the drivers invited to answer the world’s media’s questions.

The first topic discussed was the sad news that rocked the Formula 1 paddock: Niki Lauda’s passing on Tuesday. Max: “Niki was a legend of the sport. He achieved a lot in his career. After his career he was very generous and a funny guy as well. He was a great guy and it’s a big loss to Formula 1. All my thoughts go out to his family right now.”

Previewing the upcoming Grand Prix, Max is often asked if he learned from his crash in last year’s Monaco FP3. Since that practice session, the Dutchman has hardly put a foot wrong. “In general that’s life. When getting older, you get more experience in life. Sometimes you have to make mistakes to become a better driver. This was one of them.”

Ever since his first Monaco GP in 2015, Max has not had much success around the principality: “I’ve done four races and hopefully I’ll do another twenty, so I will have a lot of chances do get a good result.”

Nevertheless, Max remains realistic regarding his chances upcoming weekend. “Mercedes is clearly the favourite this weekend. I don’t think we’re as good as we were last year in Monaco. We’ll find out. I’m confident we can fight for a podium, but we have to find out for which step. We should be more competitive around here.”

The regulation changes of the past two years have made the Formula 1 cars quicker. Despite the increased speeds, Max thinks it is easier around the streets of Monte Carlo to drive an F1 car. “It’s because you have more grip compared to 2015 and 2016, when the cars were sliding around a lot more. But overtaking with those wide cars is almost impossible in Monaco. That’s why you have to make sure you do well in qualifying."

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