Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing expressed his satisfaction following the Monaco Qualifying session. The Dutch driver had a challenging start in final practice, finishing fifth and nearly one second behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli. However, he rebounded in Qualifying, coming close to securing pole position.
Close Call in Monaco Qualifying
During Qualifying, Verstappen proved he could compete, finishing just four hundredths of a second behind Antonelli. The top contenders also included Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, as well as Isack Hadjar from Red Bull and George Russell from Mercedes.
Verstappen’s Reflections on Performance
After stepping out of the car, Verstappen remarked, “If you would’ve told me yesterday that I would be on the front row, I definitely would’ve taken it.” He noted difficulties during final practice but was pleased with his performance during Qualifying.
Challenges of Driving in Monaco
Verstappen discussed the challenges of navigating the unique Monaco circuit with the new 2026-specification cars. He highlighted the cars’ more responsive nature, mentioning that the difference in power delivery and handling made for a more exhilarating driving experience.
Looking Ahead to the Race
As he prepares for the race on Sunday, Verstappen emphasized the importance of the start, particularly considering Ferrari’s strong performances this season. “These cars are quite complicated to start,” he explained, mentioning his competitors who excel at getaways.
- Max Verstappen finished fifth in FP3.
- He was only four hundredths behind Kimi Antonelli in Qualifying.
- Key competitors included Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Isack Hadjar, and George Russell.
- Verstappen praised the performance of his car in Qualifying despite traffic challenges.
This weekend marks an important moment for Verstappen as he seeks to capitalize on his strong qualifying performance in the Monaco Grand Prix.
