Max on the challenge of Monaco: 'It's all about confidence'

Published on 27 May 2022 by Stefan Meens

This weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix is a highlight on the sporting calendar. The second smallest country in the world forms the backdrop for a weekend of glitter and glamour mixed alongside the world’s fastest racing cars tearing up the streets of Monte Carlo.

For Oracle Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, racing in Monaco has its advantages. “I feel relaxed, I’m able to sleep at home and my commute is short. We travel per boat and can dock at the Red Bull Energy station, so I can’t complain”, smiles Max.

 After decades of racing, Monaco still poses a unique challenge on the Formula 1 calendar. Max: “If you look at the season thus far, it looks like we struggle a bit more over a single lap. But we know that single lap speed is crucial here in Monaco, so we have to focus on getting that right in qualifying. It’s also really about confidence and trust in the car. We have to built up to that confidence from FP1 onward.”

So far, the Dutchman has enjoyed confidence in his RB18. “Yes, the trust in the car is there, but in Monaco you need it even more. It’s all about building up to it. You don’t know the grip levels, we’ll try different tyre compounds etc, so it’s a step-by-step process. The walls are close, so you can’t afford even the smallest of lock-ups, because you’ll be in the barriers.”

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