Verstappen not even on the podium after Imola triumph? The Dutchman predicts

Last weekend, Max Verstappen managed to win the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which was the second time he crossed the finish line in first place in the 2025 season.

Still, the Dutchman said the RB21 still had issues over the bumpy Imola circuit.

"Of course, that's still not ideal for us. But we're going to try to make a better appearance this weekend," he explained to GPblog among others.

The Dutchman then said that he expects a difficult weekend in Monaco. "I think if you look at the slow corners in Imola, this will not be our strongest. But of course, we always try to find things with the setup to make it more drivable."

Does this mean a podium would be on the card for the defending world champion? "It's hard to say at this time. I think we have to wait and see how we start tomorrow with the feeling in the car. But as I said, I think it's not going to be easy," Verstappen added.

After seven rounds, Verstappen currently has 22 points less than the championship leader, Oscar Piastri.

Talking about the possibility of winning his fifth F1 world title in a row, he said: "I think we've already had enough difficult races. I obviously know that if we are close, then there is a chance. But if you take, for example, the average of Miami and Imola, then you're still not there."

The Dutchman then shared his thoughts on the mandatory two-stop rule, which is introduced for the first time this weekend.

"Once it's been successfully executed, then it's actually very easy to drive out. And now with two stops, yes, there's a bit more to it. If you've done one stop, I think, you still have to be careful with that other stop, to make sure it all goes well," says Verstappen.