Pain point for Verstappen: 'You have to ask yourself if this will help the team'

Monaco is always a unique event for Formula 1. The drivers and teams come here on a circuit that is completely different than any other on the calendar. The question beforehand is: Who is the favourite here?

During the first four races of 2021, the momentum was back and forth between Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. The Austrians started strongly, but in Spain and Portugal Mercedes seemed to be the better team. Monaco, however, has a unique circuit that could suddenly be in Red Bull's favour again.

Chance in Monaco

''If you look at the last results, Mercedes is the favourite. However, if you look at the last sector in Barcelona, I still give the advantage to Red Bull and Max Verstappen '', says Formula One commentator and presenter for Sky Germany, Sascha Roos, opposite tz.de. Ralf Schumacher also hopes for Red Bull, but fears for Mercedes.

''Mercedes and Red Bull started on the same level, but I think that was also due to difficulties at Mercedes. Meanwhile Mercedes is very constant and they don't make mistakes anymore. Red Bull was clearly too slow in Barcelona. Lewis was sometimes a second faster, and that frightening to see'', says the former F1 driver.

Perez comes up short

''I'm slowly losing hope. Red Bull really needs to take a step forward. Monaco could be a good match for Verstappen, as Mercedes' power plays a lesser role there.'' According to Roos, however, Verstappen still has one big problem. The Dutchman is on his own, and that can't stay that way for long.

''His teammate is still making mistakes. That doesn't help Sergio Perez himself, but it doesn't help Max either. I give him two or three more races, but then you have to start worrying if he's not also the man who will help Red Bull progress further'', the commentator concludes.