Despite own intention, Verstappen took another risk in Monaco

Max Verstappen had previously said that he wanted to be the first to set a fast run this time in Monaco to avoid red-flag problems. But the Red Bull driver was again last with a timed lap, but this was for a reason.

In 2022, Verstappen was still the victim of a red flag in Monaco during qualifying. His teammate Sergio Perez was up against the wall, causing the session to be called off. As a result, Verstappen had to start the race from P4. In 2023, he said he wanted to set a fast lap earlier, but the Dutchman was still last with a timed lap again. A calculated risk?

''This was just how I thought we would have the best chance of putting it on pole. You know, every car reacts a little bit differently with how the tyres warm up over a lap, and for us, that was the right choice to do it like that,'' Verstappen said at the press conference in Monaco. The two-time world champion left the weather at the last minute and drove past Fernando Alonso's time with a great final sector.

That final run went well, but warming up the tyres for that lap went a lot less so, which Verstappen was asked about. ''I think my out-lap wasn't ideal. I had to drive a little bit slower than I would have liked because unfortunately, there were a few cars in front of me who I think aborted maybe and then went again. So, it definitely wasn't an ideal start to the lap.''

"So maybe that's why my Sector One was a little bit down, and then it all started to come up. Because it's all about confidence as well around here. When you don't feel like the tyres are fully ready, you don't hit the brakes as hard into Turn One, and everything is a little bit compromised. A lot of things come into play, you know, to have a perfect lap here," concluded Verstappen after his first pole in Monaco.

On Sunday, Verstappen must defend his first pole in Monaco for a second victory in the principality. The advantage for Verstappen is that rain seems to be staying out, avoiding a risky situation. Alonso, however, has his sights set on a win and seems to be speculating mainly on a poor start from Verstappen.