Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez admit that Red Bull could “fight” at the Monaco Grand Prix on a circuit that is not the “strongest”. Red Bull has won all five races this season, with Verstappen and Perez taking first and second respectively in the drivers’ championship, but both drivers are wary of what could happen in Monte Carlo despite that dominance.
Red Bull has won the last two races in Monaco with Verstappen taking victory in the Principality in 2021, while Perez bested the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz as well as his teammate to win last year.
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However, despite his recent success in Monaco and impressive start to the season, Perez is not so sure that Red Bull will get away with it this weekend, as the Mexican expects a tough battle with his rivals.
“We certainly know that it’s not our strongest circuit,” admitted Pérez, who has been on the podium twice in Monte Carlo. “We will struggle a bit to show our strengths, but it is still Monaco.
“Come on Saturday, you still need a good warm up of your tire, that’s the key here. Let’s say it’s not our strongest circuit, but we’ll see. It’s Monaco and anything can happen.
“Fernando [Alonso]I hope the Ferraris are as strong as they were in Baku, and obviously in one lap at this place they will be strong. I hope they are pretty strong and that Mercedes can also be in the mix.”
Verstappen shared a similar sentiment with his teammate when examining Red Bull’s chances this weekend, with the two-time world champion explaining how key Saturday’s qualifying will be in deciding who wins on Sunday.
“We haven’t been, shall we say, very dominant in qualifying,” Verstappen explained. “We’ve always been very good in the race, but here in the race we know we can’t pass.”
“It’s very important to have a strong qualifying and make sure the car is in the best possible window for lap performance because that’s what this weekend is all about.”
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Verstappen also added: “It’s still very chaotic, all weekend. Personally, I prefer Monaco when we’re not here for Formula 1, but that’s fine.
“I think everyone enjoys coming here, pushing it to the limit and trying to get as close to the walls as possible. From that side of things, of course, it’s an amazing feeling to be driving.”