Verstappen finds resignation: 'It is what it is'

Max Verstappen will start from second position on Sunday afternoon in Monaco. Although he is satisfied with the qualifying, the Red Bull Racing driver felt he could have reached pole position as well. That honour was only reserved for Charles Leclerc.

The accident of Leclerc, who put his car against the wall during qualifying, prevented Verstappen from completing his fast lap. "I was one-and-a-half tenths up before going into the tunnel," Verstappen told the press conference. "And I knew on the previous lap I made a mistake in Turns 10-11, where I lost more than a tenth. So, I knew that pole position was on, especially on the second timed lap."

Other factors also spoke in Verstappen's favour. "I had a lot more grip on the tyres, so even the last sector normally would have been an improvement – but that’s would-have, should-have, could-have. I don't’ really care about that. The fact is there was a red flag. It is what it is."

Hamilton on Monaco starting grid

Lewis Hamilton will start from P7 in Monaco. The Englishman is considered a major rival to Verstappen this season and is currently 14 points ahead in the world championship. Verstappen may be able to close that gap in Monaco.