Horner admires Alonso: 'What kind of pills is he taking?'

All eyes at the Monaco Grand Prix will be on the start of the race. Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen show great respect for each other, but Christian Horner knows all too well that Alonso will do everything he can to be first through turn one.

Overtaking on the Monaco circuit is almost impossible, and so much depends on qualifying. Verstappen holds pole, but Alonso stressed after qualifying that the Dutchman's performance at the start of this year has been shaky. The Spaniard hopes to take advantage of that, even if the run to the first corner is only very short.

Respect between Alonso and Verstappen

''There's great respect between Fernando and Max, but they're very similar characters. They're cut from the same cloth, and they're both hard racers. They both want to win this race, and I'm sure Fernando sees a chance. He knows how valuable that start is. That first 500m is what's going to dictate this Grand Prix,'' Horner told Sky Sports. In another interview with ServusTV, Horner goes even further.

''He (Alonso) will try everything at the start. I don't know what pills he's taking, but he's in very good shape. Max and Fernando drive quite similarly and respect each other a lot. Although he could be his father!.''

The Red Bull Racing team boss knows how important the start is. If Verstappen manages to keep the man next to him on the starting grid behind him, little will be able to keep him from his second win in Monaco. If Alonso does pass him, Verstappen will have to be very good to overtake Alonso. It will probably come down to a strategic call from the pit wall. After all, you can leave it to Alonso to defend on the track.