Max Verstappen displayed his usual humor ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix. Residing in the Principality for several years, the Red Bull driver joked about the only advantage a crash into the barriers would have: returning home immediately.
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Few drivers can boast of passing their own apartment during a race weekend. This is nevertheless the case for Max Verstappen, who has been living in Monaco since the end of 2015.
Like many Formula 1 drivers, the quadruple world champion has chosen the Principality as his place of residence. Thus, when he walks the streets of the Monaco circuit, he literally passes close to his home.
Questioned by Dutch media about the possibility of greeting his home during the race, Verstappen responded with the relaxed tone that often characterizes him.
“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it yet” he explained before humorously adding: “I mainly hope I don’t end up in the wall on the other side. That way, I’d be home in no time.”
A prestigious Grand Prix, but no more special than any other
Despite his geographical attachment to Monaco, Verstappen assures that this round does not hold any particular importance in his eyes. For him, the objective remains identical to that of other calendar events: to score the maximum number of points.
“It doesn’t change much for me, confided the Red Bull driver. I mainly see this race as an opportunity to take 25 points, especially since I’ve already won it.”
The Dutchman nevertheless acknowledges that the first victory in the streets of Monte Carlo must have a special flavor.
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“I imagine that when you win here for the first time, it’s something very special.”
A double winner who prefers other circuits
With two victories in Monaco already to his name, Verstappen knows the demands of the track perfectly. However, he does not hide the fact that street circuits are not his favorites.
“I’m not really a fan of city circuits, he admitted. At that level, Monaco can never compete with the Nürburgring Nordschleife.”
The 28-year-old driver nevertheless believes that qualifying remains a unique moment in the Principality, where drivers constantly flirt with the barriers.
“The qualifying session is obviously the highlight of the weekend.”
Everything will depend on the Red Bull’s behavior
While Red Bull seems less comfortable than Ferrari and Mercedes on paper ahead of this Monaco weekend, Verstappen remains cautious about his chances of making a difference.
“If you feel good in the car, then yes, you can make a difference, he explained. But I don’t know yet if that will be the case here.”
A statement that reflects Red Bull’s current questions, whose car has shown some weaknesses on bumps and kerbs, particularly important elements on the Monaco track. It remains to be seen whether Verstappen can turn his experience of the streets of Monaco into a sporting advantage… without having to test his fastest route home.