Verstappen 'hopeful' the new two-stop rule will 'spice up' the Monaco Grand Prix

The FIA made changes to the iconic race by bringing in a new rule, with all drivers having to make at least two pit stops during the race. Normally, tyre wear is hardly an issue on the streets of Monte Carlo, but enforcing two stops will add a new dimension to the Grand Prix.

Before that comes into play, the most important qualifying session of the season will take place. Overtaking around the principality is almost impossible, especially with the size of the 2025 cars, so an impressive saturday is vital for teams and drivers.

Verstappen will be hoping he can continue his good form after his impressive win at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, his second win of the season, knowing how important qualifying is on the Monte Carlo streets.

"I guess it also depends a bit on where you are on the grid, right?" Verstappen explained when asked how he and Red Bull will go about qualifying in Thursday's press conference in the principality.

"It’s always that fine line of how much you're willing to risk already, and making sure you’re in a good rhythm," continued the Dutchman. "At the end of the day, a lot is rhythm, because on a normal track it's a bit more straightforward. The grip is good, you have space, you get quite comfortable. But around here, I don’t think you ever feel super comfortable. You're always on the edge. So, through qualifying, follow the track, get into that nice rhythm. Make sure that the car is to your liking, make sure that the tyre is in the right window.

"It all sounds very easy, but it’s not that straightforward, unfortunately. And with the C6 compound now, I have no idea how they’re going to respond around here as well. That’s something we all have to figure out – all the drivers, all the teams," the 27-year-old said.

The Red Bull Racing driver then had his say on what Sunday's Grand Prix will look like now the mandatory two stops are in place, with Verstappen seeming intrigued with how it will play out.

"Normally, with one stop, once you have a good pit stop and everything is fine, then you drive to the end and just stay focused and not hit the barrier. But maybe with a two-stop, it can create something different – people gambling, guessing when the right time is to box. So hopefully, it will spice it up a bit more," concluded the Dutchman.